Century-old Capal Jago continues tradition, prioritising precision, comfort and craftsmanship

KEPALA BATAS: As factories churn out footwear by the thousands, a small workshop in Penang is resisting the tide, preserving a century-old craft by making every pair of sandals entirely by hand.

Badril Shahidan Hashim, 44, works quietly at his modest workshop, shaping leather by hand as music plays softly from his smartphone, a routine that reflects both solitude and discipline.

For Badril, crafting capal (pronounced “chappal”) – traditional leather sandals – is not merely a trade but a generational legacy built on patience and an unwavering belief in honest work.

The story of Capal Jago stretches back more than a century.

Though formally established in Kepala Batas in 1958, its roots trace to 1923 in Simpang Enam, Penang, long before the outbreak of World War II.

Its earliest operations were humble, located in Jalan Dato Keramat near Gurudwara Road, in an area once opposite a police station.

Like many traditional businesses, it was forced to shut during the Japanese Occupation.

After the war, operations resumed in the same locality before eventually settling in Kepala Batas, where the brand continues to thrive.

At the heart of the enterprise was its founder Hashim Hassan, whose dedication defined Capal Jago’s identity.

Until his passing at the age of 81, he remained closely involved in the business.

“He always believed in staying close to the work.

Even when the business grew, he continued making capal himself.

For him, it was never just about profit,” Badril said.

That philosophy continues to guide the current generation.

Despite sweeping changes in manufacturing and consumer habits, the workshop has preserved one of its defining traits – handmade production.

According to Badril, the decision is not driven by nostalgia but necessity.

“Every foot is different.

Some customers have unique shapes, wider feet, uneven structures or conditions that make standard sizing uncomfortable.

“With handmade cutting, we can customise each pair to suit the individual.”

He told theSun that fully shifting to industrial-scale production would prioritise uniformity over fit.

Leather is still cut by hand to match individual foot contours, a meticulous process that ensures both comfort and durability.

At the same time, the business has adapted by incorporating machine-cut production for standard designs, enabling wider commercial reach without compromising its core identity.

“We do both.

Machine cutting helps us scale, but hand-cutting remains essential for customers who need something tailored.

That balance is important.”

While prices have risen over the decades, Badril said the increase reflects higher material costs, labour and the growing value placed on handcrafted goods.

Capal Jago sandals that once sold for between RM4 and RM9 in its early years, rose to about RM18 per pair in the 1980s.

Today, a standard pair is priced at about RM160.

Despite the higher price point, demand remains steady, particularly among customers who value authenticity and comfort.

Over the years, Capal Jago has also attracted a distinguished clientele, underscoring its cultural significance.

Among those who have worn the sandals are the late fifth prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, former Penang governor Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas and other prominent figures.

More recently, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has been seen wearing the brand, further elevating its national profile.

For Badril, however, such recognition does not overshadow the values instilled by his father.

“He always reminded us not to chase what we like, but to learn to like what we do.

“Not everything we like is good for us.

But if we commit to what we have, and do it properly, we will eventually find satisfaction in it.”

He believes this mindset is key to longevity, both in business and in life.

 The Sun Malaysia