At this Jertih home, Merdeka blooms from recycled bottles

In Kampung Baru Tok Dor, Terengganu, Halimah Said and her husband Mat Ail Mamat have transformed discarded plastic bottles into vibrant Merdeka decorations for the National Month. The elderly couple, both in their 60s, initiated the project on August 1 by gathering plastic bottles from an oil palm plantation nearby and repurposing them into colorful flowers symbolizing the Jalur Gemilang.

Halimah, 65, meticulously cleans, cuts, and shapes the bottles into petals, then paints and arranges them into various flower designs, producing at least five distinct varieties. This marks their second year participating in the house-decoration competition; last year, they secured second place, motivating them to create a unique concept this year using recycled materials.

Most of the materials are inexpensive, with Halimah spending around RM100 on spray paints in Malaysia's national colors. Her finished flowers adorn pots near the fence, while red-and-white bottles dangle from wooden poles beneath the national flag. The couple plans to enhance the display with a decorated trishaw and a replica of the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, further adding to the colorful compound. Flags from various Malaysian states contribute additional vibrancy.

For Halimah, the project serves as both a creative outlet and a means to cope with her demanding daily routine of caring for her disabled daughter, Rosnani, 41. Her 78-year-old husband assists in the decoration efforts, while their children, grandchildren, and nieces and nephews also contribute. Their nephew, Muhammad Aiman Mat Jusoh, visits frequently to lend a hand.

Halimah emphasizes that the decorations provide a meaningful, cost-effective way to observe National Month while strengthening family bonds. Through this endeavor, they demonstrate that discarded materials can be transformed into something cheerful with time and creativity.