Hip hop cobbler wants to change society's perception

KUANTAN - Dressed like a hip-hop celebrity, with sleeveless T-shirts, baggy pants and sunglasses, once a popular style of young people in the 1990s, Muhammad Adam Muhammad Ali, 27, stands out from others on the sidewalk of Cobbler Alley facing Jalan Besar here.

With that appearance, many would not have thought he is among the street cobblers at the alley at Kuantan Art Street dedicated to such a profession.

Adam stands out from the others also because he is the only young cobbler there.

For the past seven months, working as a cobbler has become his source of income to support his family, a skill he learned from the elder cobblers who have been at the job for more than two decades.

"Indeed, many people don't think I'm one of the street cobblers here because of my appearance and most think I'm a customer or a tourist who come to repair my shoes," he told Bernama while sewing the soles of a sports shoe.

Adam, the eldest of seven siblings, says he is comfortable with his style of dressing and believes that in a way, he can attract young people to also become cobblers.

He said it is also to change the public’s perception that working as a cobbler is a low-class job.

"Cobbler is an artistic profession,” he said, adding that it was because of that, he decided to return to his hometown after two years of working in Kuala Lumpur as a fitness trainer.

He said working as a fitness trainer did not give him the same satisfaction as a cobbler.

"Actually, I have been exposed to the world of handicrafts since I was a child as my father is in the industry. He is good at sewing, repairing shoes, and producing various woodcraft products. He also produces the ‘capal’ (men’s slippers) under the brand name 'Krafty Kays'.

"My father started by repairing shoes on the sidewalk...it makes me realise there is something special about the job because not everyone has that skill. So, I wanted to inherit Dad's business but wanted to start by becoming a street cobbler first,” he said.

Never shy to ask the experienced cobblers for guidance or help, he said many regard the job as easy and does not need energy.

"They regard shoemaking or working as a cobbler as a third-class job. The job has its challenges just like any other profession. We have to make sure the repaired shoes are durable, high quality and comfortable to wear.

"It makes a big difference if the cobbler knows to sew. It sounds easy, but to make sure the work is neat and comfortable for the wearer takes skill,” he said, adding that the job has provided him with a decent income.

"Just like other jobs, to succeed one has to work hard. There are a few cobblers here who have been able to buy a car and houses,” he added.

Adam said he charges his customers between RM15 and RM60 depending on the type of shoe repair requested. - BERNAMA