{
  "id": 327922,
  "title": "This carpenter’s side hustle is really hopping",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/08/this-carpenters-side-hustle-is-really-hopping",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-08T23:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/leisure/2026/08/09/this-carpenter-s-side-hustle-is-really-hopping"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "By day, carpenter Ramli Sulaiman works with timber. In his free time, he crafts tiny homes for bush crickets, or belalang rusa, in Kampung Gerai Tua. These cages cater to hobbyists participating in grasshopper sound competitions. Ramli's wooden cages, made from jackfruit wood, pine, or wild hardwood, start at RM70 and include ventilation, space, and protection from weather. Lighter versions, costing between RM20 and RM25, are popular among competitors traveling between events. Each cage takes Ramli 2-3 days to complete, often built to order. He also showcases his creations at rural competitions, where he has won prizes like pillows and kitchenware. Beyond competition, Ramli believes these events foster community spirit and provide business opportunities for others involved in grasshopper-related trades. He hopes the pastime continues to be enjoyed, with proper cages playing a role in both competition and rural tradition.",
  "summary": "Ramli Sulaiman turns wood and sago palm stems into custom cages for prized bush crickets, or belalang kerek.",
  "key_points": [
    "Ramli Sulaiman carpents by day, crafts cricket cages at night",
    "Wooden cages start at RM70, include ventilation and weather protection",
    "Competitions win prizes, promote community spirit and rural tradition"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Ramli's custom cages for bush crickets not only bring in extra income but also help sustain a rural tradition and community spirit around grasshopper sound competitions.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "This carpenter’s side hustle is really hopping",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/08/this-carpenters-side-hustle-is-really-hopping-333379",
        "published": "2026-08-08T23:30:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}