Terengganu food vendor transforms home into year‑round patriotic showcase with flags and umbrellas

Upon entering the compound of her residence, the first thing that captures one's attention is the Jalur Gemilang and vibrant patriotic decorations adorning the surroundings, as if National Month is celebrated there throughout the year. Local food vendor Nor Ashikin Shafiee, 42, has transformed her home in Kampung Baru Tok Dor into a year-round patriotic showcase.

Since moving into her own home over two decades ago, she has made patriotism a permanent fixture in her life. Nor Ashikin finds joy in decorating her home beyond merely beautifying it, seeing it as her personal means of fostering patriotism in her daily routine. Most of these decorations stay up all year, only being replaced when they wear out, but during National Month, she swaps them for new ones to boost the spirit of independence.

For this year's celebration, she spent over RM1,000 on new fabric, curtains, umbrellas, flags, and other accessories. Her passion for decorating and maintaining a neat and cheerful home was instilled in her by her father, who emphasized the importance of keeping their surroundings tidy and pleasant from a young age. As a mother of two, she personally sews some of the decorations, such as curtains, to match the yearly color theme.

She began preparing for this year's decorations shortly after the month started, choosing red, white, blue, and yellow as the dominant colors to create a patriotic atmosphere. Nor Ashikin also participates in the Independence Month home decoration contest organized by the Kampung Baru Tok Dor management, which has been held three times.

She enjoys this hobby because it has become an integral part of her routine. Despite her fluctuating income from her food business, she sets aside part of her earnings to buy new decorations or replace worn-out ones. Her husband and children support her passion and see the money spent on decorating the home as an investment rather than a waste.

Each day, she dedicates about an hour to tidying up her home and ensuring the decorations are neat before heading out to run her business. Nor Ashikin is delighted that her home often attracts people who want to take photographs, especially during festive seasons and now, with National Month. To her, the patriotic decorations on her home are not just for aesthetic appeal; they serve as a daily reminder to keep nurturing love for the country and the spirit of patriotism.