No nails, no screws: how Atifin builds solid-wood beds

Muhammad Atifin Zain, a 31-year-old carpenter from Kampung Bukit Payon, is building solid-wood beds without the use of nails or screws, relying instead on traditional joinery techniques. Atifin, who holds a diploma in manufacturing engineering and technology, left his previous job as a technician at a medical goods factory in Penang in early 2020, with no formal training in carpentry but a strong background in engineering.

Using online tutorials, observation, and experimentation, Atifin taught himself the craft of furniture-making. Starting with modest orders for rehals, or Quran stands, he gradually expanded to beds and now produces around 10 to over 30 per month. His business has grown to the point where he employs five workers and his wife, Sofiyyah Ismail, handles marketing and administration.

What sets Atifin's beds apart is the use of wooden pegs for main component assembly, a traditional technique that imbues the furniture with a distinctive character and preserves the craftsmanship associated with older wooden furniture. Customers can choose from a range of timbers, including cengal, merbau, and seraya, as well as various designs and custom sizes. Prices range from RM950 to RM1,950.

Atifin emphasizes the durability of his beds, noting that they can withstand floodwater. He believes that the combination of sturdy construction and attractive design is key to his success. Atifin's journey in the trade, marked by self-learning and perseverance, underscores his belief that lack of experience is not an insurmountable barrier if one remains dedicated to learning and striving for improvement.