This carpenter’s side hustle is really hopping

Ramli Sulaiman, a 62-year-old carpenter from Kampung Gerai Tua, has turned his love for bush crickets into a successful side business. During his free time, the skilled woodworker crafts specialized wooden cages for hobbyists to house these insects, known locally as belalang rusa or belalang kerek. The competitions surrounding these critters, judged on the quality of their calls, have led to increased demand for Ramli's handcrafted cages.

Using materials such as wood and sago palm stems, each cage is tailored to the needs of its tiny occupants, ensuring proper ventilation, adequate space, and protection from heat and rain. Prices range from RM20 to RM70, depending on the chosen material, with more affordable versions made from sago palm stems being particularly popular among competitors who travel between events.

Ramli spends between two and three days completing each custom cage, which are often built to order. He also brings a selection to competitions held across the district, where grasshopper enthusiasts gather to compare their insects' calls and, of course, the quality of their respective cages. Ramli is an active participant in these events and has won prizes in the past, including pillows, blankets, and kitchenware.

Beyond the competitive aspect, Ramli believes these grasshopper sound competitions foster community spirit and provide economic opportunities for those involved. By making high-quality cages, he aims to preserve the tradition of grasshopper-calling and keep the tradition alive for future generations.