Orang Asli Graduate Keeps Semelai Weaving Heritage Alive

By Anis Nabilla Md Wazilah

KUANTAN, April 26 (Bernama) -- Despite having broad career prospects with her academic qualifications, a Semelai Orang Asli woman chose to return to her community to ensure the survival of traditional weaving.

Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) graduate Noorzareena Norya, 35, who holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Records Management, said her deep interest in weaving and sense of responsibility to preserve cultural heritage motivated her to continue her family’s legacy.

“My father started weaving on a small scale before developing it into a source of family income, and now I have taken over.

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“To me, this is not just about continuing a family legacy, but also a responsibility to ensure that Semelai weaving heritage remains alive and recognised, especially among the younger generation,” she told Bernama at the East Coast Craft Festival (FKPT) 2026 here yesterday.

After completing her studies, she returned to her village and has been running the weaving business full-time for the past seven years.

The Pos Iskandar, Bera native said the uniqueness of her craft lies in the entire process, which begins with cultivating mengkuang plants before undergoing several stages to produce items such as mats, coin purses, book covers and decorative accessories including hairbands, fridge magnets and keychains.

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“The mengkuang we plant takes about two years before the leaves can be used.

“Before weaving, the leaves must go through several processes, including removing thorns, stripping, boiling, soaking, drying and dyeing,” said Noorzareena, who also holds a diploma in Information Management from UiTM.

She said production time depends on the type and design, with a woven mat typically taking about a week to complete.

Her products are sold from as low as RM10 to several hundred ringgit, with mengkuang mats among the most valuable items.

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The youngest of seven siblings said she currently manages the business under the Semelai Heritage Tasek Bera brand, assisted by fellow Orang Asli workers involved in the weaving process.

“At times, I cannot manage everything alone as I also oversee the workshop and sales gallery. I have three full-time weavers, while others help during peak production,” she said.

She added that weaving is no longer limited to older generations, with younger people now participating as a source of supplementary income.

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“Most residents in Pos Iskandar tap rubber, so in the evenings they take up weaving using the mengkuang leaves I provide,” she said.

She believes growing awareness of the commercial value and cultural importance of the craft has encouraged greater interest among younger generations, helping to sustain the tradition while providing additional income.

-- BERNAMA