Capal is a type of footwear that is worn by Malay men for formal and casual occasions, especially for religious ceremonies, such as weddings and funerals. It is made of leather and has a distinctive shape and design. Capal is also a symbol of Malay culture and tradition, as it is often worn with baju melayu, the traditional Malay attire.
Our recent visit to Arils Leatherville Capal Kulit in Muar, Johor was quite an experience. We had the privilege of meeting the owner, Mr Arif Syahmi, and his father, Mr Shahril Abdul. A young entrepreneur, Mr Arif Syahmi inherited the business from his father, who established it in the 1990s.
Mr Shahril initially started with a shoe repair business but later expanded by learning the art of crafting capal from his friend. He began to make capal using only genuine leather. His capal soon became popular in the local community. After many decades in the trade, Mr Shahril eventually handed over the reins to his son, Arif, who later rebranded the business as Arils.
Arils Leatherville boasts an array of leather footwear options including Capal Klasik Kulit Kambing, Capal Klasik Kulit Lembu, Capal Nabi/Capal Rasul, Capal Kurta, Capal Aladdin, and Capal Songket. In addition, they offer products such as tali pinggang kulit (leather belts) and beg kulit (leather bags).
Their commitment to quality is evident through their use of premium leather materials, such as cowhide, sheepskin, and goatskin. Employing natural dyes and hand-stitching techniques, they ensure both durability and aesthetics in their products. Each pair of sandals takes about two to three days to complete, and they can be customised according to the customer’s preferences.
Arils Leatherville not only markets their products online through their social media platforms, but they also participate in various exhibitions and events to promote their brand and showcase their craftsmanship. They have received positive feedback and recognition from their customers and the media for their quality and originality.
If you are interested in buying or learning more about Arils Leatherville’s products, you can follow them on Facebook and Instagram. You can also contact them at +60162337580 or email them at [email protected]. For those planning a visit to Muar, here’s their Google Maps location.
When you choose Arils Leatherville, you are not only getting a unique piece of Malay heritage, but you are also playing a part in ensuring that their skills are passed on to future generations.
