MALACCA: A traditional house in Kampung Morten here is sighted with a unique Merdeka decoration where its zinc roof was painted with a giant Jalur Gemilang, to fill the spirit of independence in the neighbourhood.
House owner, Aminah KM Abu Bakar, 62, said the 10 X 4 metres painting is expected to woo more curious tourists to the village.
She said the house roof was painted with the Jalur Gemilang image a year ago and the family maintains its lustre by painting a new coat every year.
"We also erected the 'Merdeka' and '1' wording on our roof which signifies Independence and Unity, she sai
The proud senior citizen said she felt obliged to decorate her house with Jalur Gemilang to inspire patriotism among her family members, neighbours, and even visitors to the village although such effort is purely voluntary.
“I also painted the Melaka flag at the other side of the roof which can be seen from the back of the house.
"We felt our effort is worthwhile when visitors stop by to look and take pictures of our homes, which indirectly helped to increase the popularity of our pristine village, she said.
Miniature Jalur Gemilang, were also put up around the house compound.
The century-old village has became a centre of tourist attraction after the state government gazetted it as a heritage residential area in 1988.
Aminah said the idea to paint the Jalur Gemilang on the roof came from her younger brother, Mohamed Aboobaker Yaakob, 55, who watched some German fans painting themselves with their national flag during some football matches.
My brother said painting and decorating the house with Jalur Gemilang is a proof of loyalty to our country in reliving the spirit of Independence, she said.
Meanwhile, Mohamed said he spent RM500 to buy paints and other paraphernalia and the family spent four days to paint the flags.
Not only we enliven the spirit of independence, but the decoration works also helped us to bond as a family, he added.