Food vendor Nor Ashikin Shafiee, 42, and her daughter Fatin Humairah Aziz, 18, decorating their Kampung Baru Tok Dor home for Merdeka. — Bernama pic First Published: Sunday, 30 Aug 2026 7:00 AM MYT JERTIH, Aug 30 — Upon stepping into the compound of her home, one’s attention is immediately drawn to the fluttering Jalur Gemilang and colourful patriotic decorations adorning almost every corner, creating the impression that National Month is celebrated there all year round.For local food vendor Nor Ashikin Shafiee, 42, decorating her home in Kampung Baru Tok Dor with patriotic-themed ornaments has become a way of life.Since getting married and moving into her own home more than two decades ago, she has made the Jalur Gemilang and colourful decorations a permanent feature of her residence.She said her passion for decorating goes beyond simply beautifying her home, describing it as her personal way of nurturing patriotism in her daily life.Most of these decorations remain up throughout the year and are only replaced when they become worn out. However, when National Month approaches, I replace them with new ones to further enliven the spirit of independence.“For this year’s National Month, I spent more than RM1,000, including on replacing over 80 metres of fabric and curtains, as well as dozens of umbrellas, flags, and various other accessories, to spruce up the house,” she told Bernama when met at her home recently.Nor Ashikin said her passion for decorating and maintaining a clean and cheerful home was inherited from her father, who instilled in her and her sister from a young age the importance of keeping their surroundings tidy and pleasant.The mother of two also personally sews some of the decorations, including curtains, to complement the colour theme chosen each year.She said preparations for this year’s National Month decorations began gradually early in the month, with red, white, blue, and yellow selected as the dominant colours to create a patriotic atmosphere.“I also take part in the Independence Month home decoration contest organised by the Kampung Baru Tok Dor management, which has been held three times so far. I continue with this hobby because, for me, it has become part of my routine,” she said.Nor Ashikin added that although her income from her food business fluctuates, she continues to set aside part of her earnings to purchase new decorations or replace those that have become worn out.She said her husband and children understand and support her passion and do not consider the money spent on decorating the home a waste.“Every day, I spend about an hour tidying the house and making sure the decorations inside and outside are neat before heading out to run my business.“I am delighted that my home often attracts people who want to take photographs, especially during festive seasons and now, in conjunction with National Month,” she said.For Nor Ashikin, the patriotic decorations adorning her home do more than simply beautify the surroundings, they serve as a daily reminder to continue nurturing love for the country and the spirit of patriotism. — Bernama