By Beh Yuen Hui

JOHOR BARU: Lim Jek Soon is an ordinary man with a big dream. He wants to help save the world from destruction, and is doing his part by recycling paper and reducing waste.

He turns any paper - newspapers, posters and leaflets - into beautiful handicraft and other items. "I read a cane-weaving book in the 90s and I asked myself if I could do the same but using other materials."

"That was also the time when environmental issues were gaining prominence, so I told myself that I must contribute something to save the Earth," said Lim, 54.

His first newspaper-woven decorative piece - a basket - was created in 2001.

As his love for the art grew, Lim gave up his job in his family's business concern to concentrate on paper-weaving in 2006.

"I wanted to promote and introduce the skill to people," he said, from his bench perch near an entrance to the Tebrau City shopping mall here.

He said he makes around RM800 a month from selling the products, priced at RM10 and RM20, adding that among the popular items were vases, pots, baskets, teapots and tissue boxes.

"I only use paper and my hands. No wires, no tools," he said, adding that he preferred using newspaper because it was softer, making shaping easier.

His next project is to weave a mosque using only newspaper.