Seventy-year-old Mohd Nor Daud, who used to work for the Public Works Department, claims that an ancient Chinese basin that he inherited from his late father has magical healing powers and can even cure erectile dysfunctions.

Mohd Nor, who is from Kampung Seberang Jerteh, Besut,said the bowl is probably 16th century and was given to his ancestor by traders from China.

"My father told me that the bowl has supernatural powers and told me to treasure it until my last breath when he handed the antique basin to me a few decades ago.

"He said his great grandfather had given him the basin," Mohd Nor said.

He said the blue-and-white porcelain basin with floral motifs could also create melodies like someone playing a violin when it is tilted to the side.

He said those who want to hold the basin should clean their hands thoroughly or else they would not be able to hold it.

"I don't why those with dirty hands are unable to touch it. Probably it is related to a curse, I don't know," he said.

Mohd Nor also claimed that sea water could be turned into fresh water if it kept in the basin for at least eight hours.

Those suffering from illnesses like impotence could be cured if the water is consumed, he said.

Mohd Nor said food could be kept in the basin for days without the need of refrigeration.

He claimed that an old man appeared to him in a dream and revealed to him how to use the basin to cure illnesses.

Mohd Nor said he had kept the basin in a box and decided to take it out recently.

"That was when I started getting all the dreams and I intend to hand it to my children when the time is right," he said adding that an atique collector from Kelantan offered him RM5,000 (S$2,082) for the bowl but he refused to sell it.