His creations, “lampu bintang Aidilfitri”, are eye-catching and may evoke in some a sense of nostalgia for the good old days, when such lanterns were a common sight during the festive season.
“I love how they make my house look cheerful,” the 72-year-old told FMT Lifestyle, explaining that the lanterns can be hung outdoors, on the porch, or inside one’s home.
Safian, who lives in Kuala Kangsar, Perak, has been fascinated with these lanterns since he was young. He recalls how he loved the way they illuminated his home, casting a warm glow wherever they hung. It’s a feeling that remains to this day.
Back then, he said, most people in his village would light the lanterns on the 27th night of Ramadan, also known as Malam Tujuh Likur.
It was his curiosity that drew him to learn the craft: Safian would observe the elders in his village making lanterns, and he eventually picked up the skill. He has been making them ever since, helping to preserve the tradition.
The lanterns, Safian shared, are still made with bamboo from his village – the same type used to make lemang.
He begins by carefully cleaning and cutting the bamboo into the desired lengths, then securing each piece with thin iron wire to create the star-shaped frame.
He used to make traditional five-pointed stars but now prefers seven-pointed ones, saying it looks “more interesting” with seven tips.
Once he completes the lantern’s frame, he glues on coloured paper, selecting vibrant shades to ensure the end product is visually striking when lit.
Next, he adds a clear plastic cover for protection. As a final touch, Safian uses ribbons to accentuate the star’s shape.
Safian’s seven-tipped lanterns are available in three sizes: 26, 28 and 30 inches (0.66, 0.71 and 0.76m), measured from the top tip of the star to the bottom tip. He still makes lanterns with five-pointed stars upon request, in custom sizes.
“In the past, people used candles or ‘pelita’ to light the lanterns. But now, I use a light bulb,” he revealed. Hence, each lantern comes with a light bulb and bulb holder, a plug, cable, and a ribbon for hanging.
While he welcomes orders from across Malaysia, he prefers for customers to pick up their lanterns in person, as shipping can sometimes damage them.
Perhaps it’s worth taking a trip to Kuala Kangsar to meet Safian: the royal town is also a treasure trove of history and good food – the perfect excuse for a getaway!
While demand for his creations are highest before Hari Raya, Safian crafts them year-round as long as there are orders. He also displays his lanterns before Raya at his son’s fireworks stall.
Admitting he is saddened by the decline in the use of lanterns these days, he said: “I craft them in the hope of making them popular again.”
He added that he’s open to conducting group classes to pass his knowledge on to others.
Ultimately, Safian’s hope is simple: that the tradition of lighting these lanterns will not fade away. “Imagine one star shining at every house,” he said – indeed, what a breathtaking sight that would be!
“And even when I’m no longer here,” he concluded, “I hope these lanterns will continue to shine.”
For more information, contact Mohd Safian Mohd Salleh at 017-538 9639.