Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Idris Haron (six from left) and his wife, Datin Seri Fadilah Abdullah (five from left) with visitors displaying 'Jalur Gemilang' during the Melaka State Level Ambang Merdeka Celebration celebration in 2017 in conjunction with the 60th National Day themed "Negaraku #Sehati Sejiwa" in Jalan Hang Tuah, Melaka. (pix by MUHAMMAD ZUHAIRI ZUBER)
Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Idris Haron (six from left) and his wife, Datin Seri Fadilah Abdullah (five from left) with visitors displaying 'Jalur Gemilang' during the Melaka State Level Ambang Merdeka Celebration celebration in 2017 in conjunction with the 60th National Day themed "Negaraku #Sehati Sejiwa" in Jalan Hang Tuah, Melaka. (pix by MUHAMMAD ZUHAIRI ZUBER)

MELAKA: Local families dressed up in striking, handmade Jalur Gemilang outfits were among the main attractions during the countdown to the 60th Merdeka day at Jalan Hang Tuah here last night.

Around 5,000 people gathered at the main thoroughfare here beginning 8.30pm to join in celebrations, which was attended by Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron, among others VIPs.

The public was entertained by musical performances by local artistes, dances, poetry recitals and choral speaking, which ran until late last night.

Omar Aman, 36, wife Mardhiah Nasir, 30 and their five kids, aged between 2 and 9, were at Jalan Hang Tuah to watch the performances and join in the countdown to Merdeka day.

"The clothes (my family is) wearing tonight are specially-designed and tailored by me, especially for this Merdeka day occasion.

"Initially, I made the outfits just to please my kids (once), but we ended up having so much fun that we decided to make it a yearly routine," said Mardhiah yesterday.

Mardhiah is a full-time seamstress and has made over 20 Merdeka costumes for her family since 2013.

"We do spend quite a lot of money on these costumes. This year, it went up to RM1,500 because I also made some for my siblings.

"However, even when money is insufficient, we try our best to make use of the materials that we have, because our kids look forward to wearing traditional Merdeka outfits yearly, and we do not want to disappoint them," said Omar.

It took two weeks for Mardhiah to finish making the Jalur Gemilang costumes this year. She designs different types of Merdeka outfits each year to cater for each National Day’s theme.

"It brings us pride to wear different traditional outfits which showcase the various cultures that Malaysia has.

"I am the eldest of ten siblings, and today, four of my siblings also joined us in wearing these costumes.

"We also try to take part in all sorts of costume competitions throughout the Merdeka month with our children," she added.