In a world where quick judgments often replace understanding, many people don’t realise the silent challenges others face. It’s easy to form opinions from a distance, ignoring the resilience and strength needed to overcome life’s hurdles.
This is especially true for those following unconventional paths, where societal expectations clash with personal passions.
‘A job like mine has no future’
Such is the story of Muhammad Fazrul Hakim Maszalan, from Tumpat, Johor, whose journey in the traditional craft of batik colouring defies the common narrative and demonstrates the unrecognised beauty of perseverance and dedication.
In the face of skepticism about his profession’s future, Muhammad Fazrul Hakim Maszalan remains steadfast in his commitment to his craft.
“Some people say that a job like mine has no future, but thankfully, I can still help support my mother and two younger sisters who are still studying,” he asserts.
At 30 years old, Muhammad Fazrul Hakim lives in a district where he earns his livelihood by painting batik, a traditional textile art.
Been in the business since he was 16
As the second of five siblings, he has dedicated himself to this craft since the age of 16, driven by both passion and a desire to utilise his skills.
“Since primary school, I have been helping my mother paint batik. From there, she taught me how to paint batik, and I got seriously involved in it during Form Four,” he recalls.
The journey has not been without challenges. Mastering the intricate art of batik colouring, especially the complex task of colour blending, took considerable time and perseverance.
“It’s not easy. It took me a long time to master the colouring, and the hardest part is combining the colours.
But I didn’t give up even though my early attempts were unsuccessful. Now, I have been making a living from painting batik for 14 years,” he shared with Harian Metro.
Muhammad Fazrul Hakim’s daily routine begins at 8 a.m. and extends into the late afternoon, with the work taking place at his home.
His tasks are driven by orders, and he manages to colour four to five pieces of batik cloth each day.
“The patterns on the batik cloth are already drawn, so I just need to colour them. For now, it’s okay, but the challenge comes during the rainy season because the cloth takes longer to dry. Usually, this happens at the end of the year, but I’m used to it, so I stay calm,” he explains.
‘I haven’t thought about quitting’
In addition to his traditional methods, Muhammad Fazrul Hakim has embraced modern platforms to share his craft.
His TikTok videos showcasing his batik painting skills have garnered significant attention.
“I didn’t expect that many people would enjoy watching the videos and appreciate my talent. In the comments section, many people reminisce about the past when they see my videos. It’s fun to see their feedback, and honestly, I feel proud because not many young people do this kind of work.
So, for now, I haven’t thought about quitting because painting batik has become a part of me,” he expresses.
Beyond his craft, Muhammad Fazrul Hakim shoulders significant family responsibilities.
Following his parents’ separation, he has taken on the role of the family’s primary breadwinner.
“My mother has diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney problems, so I need to help earn money,” he explains.
