Mergong: To showcase his patriotism, a soldier repurposed discarded materials to decorate his family home in Taman Kita, Mergong, in conjunction with the upcoming 68th National Day celebration. Sergeant Major Abdul Latif Jalaluddin, 39, who serves at a camp here, said he reused various materials such as cardboard, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes, bamboo, and beverage bottles to create replicas of tanks, blowpipes, and Jalur Gemilang-themed decorations.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the decorations were made for a competition organised by the Taman Kita community in conjunction with the National Day. Abdul Latif initially planned to approach it casually but eventually conceived the idea of using recycled materials. He and his family collected cardboard to make a tank, PVC pipes for blowpipes, and other items mostly found around the house, except for the Jalur Gemilang, which they bought.

Abdul Latif also turned a corner of their home into a mini museum, showcasing soldier figurines, replicas of weapons, and family photos, including those of his late father-in-law, a national hero. He noted that the initiative not only enlivens their residential area but also promotes environmental preservation through recycling.

Norhayati Sharif, 64, chairman of Pertubuhan Muslimat Taman Kita, explained that the National Day home decoration contest was organised to foster patriotic spirit among residents. This is the first time such a programme has been held, offering cash prizes to participants. The encouraging response suggests a possibility of organizing it again next year, she added.

For Sharifah Rohani Syed Othman, 61, the competition holds special meaning as Aug 31 is both National Day and her birthday. She looks forward to celebrating the day each year, as it commemorates the struggles of forefathers and marks a personal milestone.