01/05/2025

LYFE THURSDAY | MAY 1, 2025

23

Benefits of freezer units

Ű BY R. BALA

L OOKING to upgrade your fridge or freezer? Before you spend on a typical two- or three-door fridge and freezer combo, why not consider having a dedicated freezer unit? These freezer units come in a variety of shapes and sizes making it easier to fit into your home. Here are a few factors to consider before buying one. Hungry mouths to feed Typically, a dedicated freezer unit will be useful for larger households where there are more people at the makan table. It will allow more storage space for meats and other items that need deep freezing. This means less trips to the grocery store as well, which can be a time-consuming affair. Saving by buying things in season Yes, stock up on items when in season or avoid peak price buying. A good example would be the Chinese New Year festive season when the price of seafood, especially prawns and certain types of fish, skyrocket. Having a sizeable dedicated freezer will

o Extra standalone storage for frozen, dairy items

“After retiring last year and following the passing of my eldest sister in 2016, I took on the responsibility of restoring this house as a symbol of our family’s heritage.” Not long ago, photos showcasing the beauty of the restored family home went viral on social media, garnering positive feedback from netizens. “I did not expect such overwhelming attention. I merely wanted to share stories about my family home, a traditional house filled with memories. I am grateful for the encouraging support,” he said. Named “Teratak Ustaz Jalil” in honour of Badrul’s late father, the house is spread over a 325sq m area and has seven bedrooms and five bathrooms. Other components include a living room (also known as Rumah Ibu ), central area, kitchen and two verandas, all hallmarks of traditional Pahang Malay houses. allow households to stock up on these items well in advance, and in sufficient quantities as well. Some households are also able to negotiate for better prices from their neighbourhood butchers when buying meat in bulk, which is another incentive during these inflationary times. Easy access and organisation Having a standalone freezer allows for better organisation and access. In fact, as it will usually be for items that are not always in use, the freezer unit can be hidden away in a section of the house that has a little bit more space. It does not even have to be in the kitchen. It could even be placed outside for convenience or to save floor space. Modern options Most people think of a standalone freezer as a bulky chest-like unit catering to businesses, taking up plenty of floor space. But, a quick

glance online will show that there are plenty that cater to smaller households. Tiny, cute and small, these upright freezers are ideal for a household of four to five family members. Meats, ice creams and a variety of dairy products will fit nicely into its elongated compartment offering solid freezing for items that need it. Star ratings Best of all, many modern stand alone freezers come with energy saving ratings that make them cost efficient. Instead of sharing frozen good space in a typical unit where the door is constantly opened, releasing cold air, have one to store those deep freeze items that will help lower utility bills. Do not forget a freezer unit can contribute greatly towards the meter readings, so this is a good option if a household has kids constantly reaching for the freezer to get ice-lollies and the likes.

Standalone freezers do not need to be in the kitchen and can be placed elsewhere for convenience. – PEXELSPIC

Istana Budaya retiree restores family’s traditional Malay home A retired Istana Budaya official is in the process of transforming a 62-year-old traditional Malay house in Pahang into a “living canvas” to preserve Malay architectural heritage. responsibility of restoring the house after retiring last year. He said the house’s main structure, built with Malacca teak and tualang wood, remains sturdy while its tall wooden windows with railings – a distinctive feature of old Malay houses – are still intact. Badrul shared the house

Badrul Zaman Abdul Jalil, who was deputy director of the design division at Istana Budaya and has over three decades of experience in design and art, said the wooden house, located in Kampung Tampin in Benta, Lipis, holds special significance for him as it was built by his late father Abdul Jalil Lebai Hassan, who was a religious teacher. “The house was where my eight siblings and I grew up – and it holds many cherished memories for us. “According to my mother (Nur Ainun Ibrahim, now 84), the house was completed in 1963, the year Malaysia Day was declared. I was born (in the house) a year later, making it deeply sentimental for me,” he said. He added that he took on the

underwent significant renovations in 1982. Currently, restoration and renovation works are in progress. “The first phase, which started in March 2024, involved cementing the ground floor, building drains and reinforcing the wooden pillars with concrete. The second phase, which began in July last year, focused on restoring the two verandas and the living room and central area by replacing the decayed floors, ceilings and termite-damaged wooden railings. “We are now in the third phase, which includes renovating the kitchen with tile installations, upgrading the bathrooms and adding more rooms. The final phase will address landscaping and parking

The abode has elements of Malay architectural heritage. – PICS FROM BERNAMA space,” he said, adding the total cost of renovating and restoring the house will come to about RM100,000. throughout the year. He also expressed hopes that the house will serve as a space where one can share the experience of living in a traditional Malay house rich in history and culture, as well as appreciate its long-standing legacy. – Bernama Reflecting on his fond memories of the house, Badrul said the abode was a gathering place for his siblings, not just during festive periods but

Bright colours are a staple for a kampung home-vibe.

The home has all the hallmarks of a traditional Pahang Malay house, from its many bedrooms to the verandas.