MUADZAM SHAH, MALAYSIA: From a distance, Wani Aton may look like a man hawking firewood but closer scrutiny will reveal a range of valuable sticks from deep within the jungle that fetch high prices.

His stall near the Kampung Wawa Orang Asli settlement includes items such as kayu tas, kemuning hitam and kayu penunduk gajah, which are believed to have the power to ward off evil.

Wani also collects rare rotan species besides jungle orchids and fruits to support his family. The 25-year-old from the Jakun tribe has made a name for himself selling the jungle produce to motorists plying Jalan Kuantan-Mudazam Shah.

"More people are seeking these items nowadays. Some use them for traditional healing while others keep them as decorative items," said the father of one.

The rotan that he sells comprise closely-knitted branches and internodes as if two plants have been stuck together.
"It's difficult to find rotan with branches as the vine-like species normally has long slender stems."

He said a rotan stem with two close internodes, known as rotan bertemu ruas, was very rare.

"It is sought by Malay and Orang Asli bomoh and Chinese who believe in magic."

Due to its rarity, Wani said each stick could fetch up to RM150 compared with RM5 for normal rotan.

As for kayu tas, which is known as "mountain god stick" among the Chinese, Wani said many people believed the woody plant could keep wild or poisonous animals at bay.

"Kemuning hitam can ward off negative energies and ghosts, while kayu penunduk gajah (elephant tamer stick) can tame a wild elephant."

Each stick is sold between RM10 and RM30, depending on the size, Wani said.

Asked if he believed in the powers of the sticks and rotan, Wani said he had never tried them and only used them as decorative items.