Gopeng: Replicas of the Petronas Twin Towers, Malaysia's first national car, the Proton Saga, an aircraft, a yacht, and giant hibiscus flowers are among the decorations brightening homes in Kampung Chulek here in conjunction with the National Month celebration. Approximately 30 houses are participating in the Halaman Rumah Merdeka programme, organised by the camping and recreation centre Gopeng Glamping Park.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, a resident, Ahmad Ali Mingan, 72, said that with the help of his wife and son, he spent two weeks preparing various decorations and replicas. The former contractor used discarded materials to build replicas of an aircraft and a yacht, while hundreds of Jalur Gemilang and state flags were put up around his house compound. "I spent about RM700 to RM800 to buy flags and zinc sheets for the yacht. This is my third time joining the programme. I won first place last year," he told reporters.

Another participant, Siti Hajar Abd Fatah, 53, said she was equally enthusiastic about hanging the Jalur Gemilang and displaying antiques to enliven her home and the eatery she runs with her husband, Mohd Kamil Hindin, 65. "Even without a competition, I always decorate my house compound every year for Merdeka. Coincidentally, I was also born in the national month, on Aug 29," she said, adding that it took her about two weeks to complete the decorations.

Meanwhile, programme director Mohd Riduan Jamaludin said this is the third year the Halaman Rumah Merdeka event has been held. "We aim to enliven the National Month celebration and strengthen ties between visitors to Gopeng Glamping Park and local residents. The programme has also become an attraction for visitors to view the Merdeka-themed decorations at the villagers' homes," he said. He added that winners will receive cash prizes, with judging to take place tomorrow in conjunction with the National Day 2025 celebration.