COME every August, tailor Mahani Udit needs to work like a bee to satisfy the demand for National Day-themed costumes.
The 30-year-old mother of two said she started making such attire back in 2015 and it has become quite popular during National Day month.
“I started to make outfits for my two daughters when they took part in a National Day-themed costume competition in school.
“I liked the theme as it emphasised the spirit of patriotism.
Her twin daughters, Seri Mustokimah Al-Kausar and Seri Noor Jannah Musfirah, both nine, won the competition.
“To my surprise, the costumes also became popular among the other pupils and parents at the school.
“Many started to ask me to make similar costumes for their children.
“Since then, I have been making them every year, ” she added.
Mahani said she now sold ready-made National Day-themed costumes to schools and kindergartens for their National Day celebrations.
“I usually stop taking regular tailoring orders after Hari Raya Haji up to mid-September to focus on making these costumes.
“I am grateful that our nation is free and independent, and this is my simple way of showing love for Malaysia, ” Mahani said.
She said so far, she had received over 400 orders from schools and parents, noting that she expects more to come later this month.
“Last year, I had some 1, 000 orders and the number increases each year, ” she added.
Meanwhile, the sale of Jalur Gemilang at a few shops this year has been generally slow.
A spokesperson for Mydin Wholesale Emporium in Penang Road said business had been poor this year compared to last year.
“We started selling the flags since July but sales have been down by between 50% and 70%.
“However, we believe it will pick up this week when it is closer to National Day, ” he said.