By Aida Aziz
Photo: Astro Awani
IPOH: It has been more than 12 years since Tazar Alang Rahim, 63, from Kampung Tasek here has fueled the Malaysian Independence Day celebrations in his own way and style.
During that period, cars like the Proton Iswara Aeroback and the area around his sales stall were decorated with the Jalur Gemilang, including self-made replicas using second-hand items.
Asked how he became interested in decorating cars with more than 100 Malaysian Jalur Gemilang flags every year, Tazar said his interest started when he was 30.
“Every year I try to show something different, this time I made a replica of an armored car and a small helicopter because the area was too small.
“I really like this kind of creative art, from childhood to the elderly, but back then it wasn’t like it is now to decorate cars and so on.
“Since 12 years ago, I would start decorating the car and yard near this stall two months before independence. Because I did everything myself, including building a replica,” he said.
He also said that because of the uniqueness of his car decorated with the Malaysian flag, he was often invited to several schools for special programs in conjunction with National Day.
” I rarely go out with this car because I use it specifically to celebrate Merdeka. For daily use I have another car,” he said.
“Every time before Merdeka I start putting the Jalur Gemilang on the car, many people are interested and take pictures. They also have shouts and honks for support.
“If they invite me to participate in the parade at school, that is one of the sweetest memories of the 12 years I have been doing this,” he said.
The grandfather of four grandchildren explained that the estimated cost to decorate the car and the site was as much as RM1,000.
