{
  "id": 16404989,
  "title": "No nails, no screws: how Atifin builds solid-wood beds",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/25/no-nails-no-screws-how-atifin-builds-solid-wood-beds",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-25T00:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/leisure/2026/10/25/no-nails-no-screws-how-atifin-builds-solid-wood-beds"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Muhammad Atifin Zain, a 31-year-old carpenter from Jertih, started his solid-wood bed business in 2020 after leaving his job as a technician at a medical goods factory in Penang. With no formal training in carpentry, Atifin relied on his engineering background and self-taught skills to build his workshop and produce high-quality furniture.\n\nInitially, Atifin invested around RM150,000 to purchase machinery and equipment for his workshop, working alone and taking on rehals, or Quran stands, as initial orders. He learned from his mistakes and emphasized quality to ensure customer satisfaction. By 2024, he was producing over 30 beds per month with the help of five workers and his wife, Sofiyyah Ismail, who handles marketing and administrative tasks.\n\nAtifin's beds stand out due to their use of wooden pegs instead of nails or iron screws, a technique rooted in traditional joinery. This method gives the furniture a unique character while preserving older wooden furniture craftsmanship. Customers can choose between cengal, merbau, and seraya timber, and can customize designs and sizes, with prices ranging from RM950 to RM1,950 based on materials, design, and specifications.\n\nThe durability of Atifin's beds is noteworthy, as they can withstand floodwater exposure. This focus on structure alongside aesthetics reflects his personal belief that experience and continuous learning can compensate for a lack of formal training. Atifin aims to expand his workshop and create more job opportunities for young people in the area, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and continuous improvement.",
  "summary": "The 31-year-old taught himself carpentry online before turning traditional wooden joinery into a growing business in Jertih.",
  "key_points": [
    "Atifin Zain started solid-wood bed business in 2020 with no carpentry training.",
    "Utilizes wooden pegs instead of nails or screws for unique, traditional joinery.",
    "Aims to expand workshop, create jobs for young people in Jertih."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}