KUALA LUMPUR: A family-of-four, all dressed in Jalur Gemilang attires, stood out at “1Malaysia Merdeka Picnic with Datuk Seri Najib Razak” which was held at Perdana Botanical Gardens.
Picnic goers were seen taking photos with the family because of their attractive clothings.
Zihaza Sabila, 34, said she had started wearing the Jalur Gemilang attire on Merdeka Day five years ago.
“It is a tradition for us to go to Dataran Merdeka for the countdown as well as for the celebrations.
“I want to cultivate the spirit of patriotism in my sons, Putra Ahmad Sabil, 9, and Putra A’isy Sahil,4.
“Kids nowadays lack awareness on the hardship of our ancestors to gain independence.
“Hence, once in a year, on the eve of Merdeka Day, we will dress in our custom-made Jalur Gemilang costume and I will explain to them the meaning behind the celebration,” she said when met at the garden.
The mother-of-two said she would send in her design to tailor at least one month in advance to ensure that she is able to collect them on time.
“I have tried the baju kurung, the Harry Potter robe, a magician's costume as well as the Punjabi traditional attire.
“This year I designed the baju kebaya for myself and the pahlawan (warrior) costume for my sons.
“My kids are excited and will check with me the design months before the Merdeka celebration,” she said, adding that she used 20 Jalur Gemilang to produce clothes for her family.