Dubbed “Songkok Style Tun”, it comes with a picture of Dr Mahathir on the packaging.
The songkoks are the creation of Sardi Sahar, 60. He said: “I was touched in 2008 when Tun allowed me to use his picture on the packaging without imposing any fee. He just told me to maintain the quality of this songkok.”
Sardi said he was inspired to create the headgear in 2002, and uses a thick velvet fabric from Korea for the songkok, which can be folded, by pressing the sides together, without damaging the shape.
During his earlier stint as prime minister, Dr Mahathir was known for his Look East policy, to emulate South Korea and Japan in economic development. He is scheduled to visit Japan next week.
Sardi said “Tun (Dr Mahathir) has never missed dropping by at Pekan Rabu to buy the songkok here. Prior to this, it was just an ordinary songkok until 2002 where I created one that is lighter and foldable. Later, I introduced it to Tun and he liked it!”
He said demand rises when Hari Raya Aidilfitri approaches, with orders from across the country, and from many prominent persons. The songkok is priced at RM120 each.
Demand rose by about 30% after the recent general election and Dr Mahathir’s appointment as prime minister.
He has prepared 1,000 units in advance. Demand has been really good from Johor,” he said.
One customer is Bahador A Rahaman from Langkawi, who says he has been a regular buyer.
Dr Mahathir returned to mainland Kedah, his home state, for the first time after becoming prime minister again, and was greeted with cheers and cries of “Hidup Tun” from a crowd of about 500 at Alor Setar airport.
He is expected to have an audience with the Sultan of Kedah at Istana Anak Bukit this afternoon.
Traditional songkok maker works hard to complete Raya orders