IPOH: Retired policeman Jamaludin Ahmad has brightened his house in Kampung Tersusun Tasek here with the Jalur Gemilang of various sizes to celebrate National Day.

       Of the many flags he has put up, the 63-year-old is particularly proud of one that is made from mineral water bottles and bottle caps.

       Jamaludin said it took him several days to assemble the flags proudly displayed in front of his house.

       “I drank from the bottles and made drinks for my family regularly in order to amass the materials.

       “Preparations started about two months ago and I painted all the bottles and caps,” he said.

       “I also created the Perak flag,” he said, adding that a total of 175 bottles and 435 bottle caps were used.

       “The idea came from a decoration competition that was held at the General Operations Force (GOF) Southeast Brigade headquarters in Kuantan two years ago,” he said.

       Jamaludin said he also created the words “Merdeka” and “Malaysia Prihatin”, which is this year’s theme, using 120 bottles.

       He started decorating his house to celebrate the country’s independence three years ago.

       “The village Rukun Tetangga and Masjid As-Syakirin had then organised a competition for the best Merdeka-themed decorated house.

       “I was the winner for two years running in 2019 and 2020,” he said.

       “The competition was not held this year due to the pandemic but I decorated my house as I am proud to be a Malaysian,” he said.

       Jamaludin hopes others will also fly the Jalur Gemilang to show their love for the country.

       “Perhaps, as a former member of the GOF, I can be said to have a high sense of patriotism.

       “I do hope that the people will learn to think more about the word ‘Merdeka’ and what it truly means for all of us,” he said. “It would certainly be nice to see at least a flag flying at each house.”