KUANTAN: Mohd Amin Sarju’s interest in creating unique handicrafts sets him apart from most policemen. In fact, it has made him something of a minor celebrity.
Attached to the Pahang Contingent Police Headquarters here, Amin said his deep interest in handicrafts led him to conduct research on the internet for unique creations – and he finally hit upon the idea of a “wheel pot”.
Succeeding only on his third try, Amin created a wheel pot from a used car tyre, which he repurposed into a flower pot. The final product is indeed rather unique – so much so that Amin has started a business selling wheel pots.
"I take around a week to finish a single wheel pot, which requires three stages in its production, namely cutting, combining and painting patterns in accordance with customers' wishes.
"Other than car wheels and tyres, I also use motorcycle wheels to make hanging flower pots, which I sell for between RM15 and RM25.
"Demand for the items is quite encouraging," said the 52-year-old resident of Taman Indera Sempurna here today.
Amin said that his friend, Mohd Nuri Salleh, 40, helps paint the wheel pots, offering seven colour choices and interesting patterns sought by clients.
Old wheels and tyres are notorious for being mosquito breeding grounds – but Amin is already one step ahead of the pesky insects. He has ensured that each wheel pot has several pencil-sized holes in them to prevent stagnant water from accumulating.
Amin said that he can produce between 40 and 50 units of wheel pots in a month, depending on demand, and the supply of used car and motorcycle tyres provided by several vehicle workshops.
He revealed that the Community Development Department's kindergartens (tabika) are the main buyers of his wheel pots, which are used to plant various types of flowers and placed as decorative items in parks and in front of buildings.
"Other than wheel pots, I also provide flower-planting services, mainly at tabika in this district.
"The service I and Nuri provide is more for helping those in need, as the satisfaction of buyers gladdens my heart," said Amin, who has over a year's experience in creating handicrafts from used tyres.
He said that he is in the midst of creating even more products from used tyres, such as chairs.
Other than bringing in income and beautifying the environment, Amin is glad that he is able to work with used tyres, as he feels he is doing his bit to cut down on waste though recycling and saving the environment.