KOTA BARU: Last year, Abdul Hakim Ismail sold around 250 pieces of 'Tanjak Merdeka' (traditional Malay male headgear) for the National Day celebration. Due to high demand, the 29-year-old decided to prepare 50 more pieces this year.
However, Hakim said the price of the headgear would increase by RM1 this year to match the anniversary of Malaysia's independence.
"Last year, I sold the Tanjak Merdeka for RM66 each, and this year, to mark the 67th Merdeka Day, the price is RM67," said the father of two.
Operating from Pengkalan Chepa, Hakim and his wife, Nurul Aini Hasban, 25, produced 300 headpieces this year, featuring various designs.
"We use over 60 'Jalur Gemilang' patterns, printing them on cotton fabric. After printing, we sew some pieces and fold others to create different sizes of headgear," he added.
Hakim noted that he only makes the 'Tanjak Merdeka' twice a year, in August and September, producing standard sizes for both children and adults. Most of his customers are from Kelantan.
In addition to selling the headgear at his shop, Hakim also offers them online.
"Customers can purchase my 'Tanjak Merdeka' through social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok," said Hakim, who has been in the business for over five years.