03/08/2025

NATIONAL 6 theSun on Sunday AUG 3, 2025

Sweet way to promote patriotism

Popularity of Jalur Gemilang themed cakes soar ahead of Merdeka and Malaysia Day

medium to connect people with national identity and values. “Our cupcakes, in red velvet, chocolate and carrot varieties, are visually appealing and carry a message that patriotism can be expressed in light hearted and creative ways.” Muzaffar, who has created super large patriotic cakes, including a 10ft x 5ft version featuring national elements, said such projects require meticulous preparation. “It is challenging, but the reward comes when the cake (receives praise from) guests. It motivates us to keep creating such cakes. “These cakes do more than beautify an event. It tells stories of our history, culture and the Malaysian spirit.”

receives orders from schools, corporations and public figures two to three weeks before major celebrations. “By early August, orders pick up for National Day and Malaysia Day. I always look forward to these orders because each one is a gesture of gratitude for the peace we enjoy.” The patriotic cake trend is also gaining traction in the hospitality sector, Bernama reported. Birkin International Hotel is among establishments offering patriotic themed cupcakes this month to boost the Merdeka spirit among guests. According to its head pastry chef Muzaffar Shah Yusoff, cake making has become a creative

iconic landmarks in Malaysia. “These symbols may be familiar but on cakes, they evoke a sense of pride, both in the maker and the person enjoying it,” she said. Among her most memorable works was a cake shaped like a book, inspired by the poem “Guru Oh Guru” by National Laureate Usman Awang. Created for Teacher’s Day in 2015, it became so popular that a school used it as the cover photo for its official Facebook page. “Although it wasn’t for Merdeka, it carried strong patriotic value by honouring educators. It shows national pride can be expressed in many forms.” Hilaliyah said she typically Each one is forged with patience because for him, the art is not just about form but also taste. Among his most treasured creations is a knife with a wooden sheath in the shape of an arowana fish. “It takes months to finish one. Each fin must be carved by hand. I used to sell it for RM550, but now it’s worth thousands of ringgit. “But I don’t make it anymore because the sheath maker has passed away,” he said. His workshop behind the house, built at a cost of nearly RM100,000, is more than a place to work. It is a sacred space, where every spark and ember rekindles memories of his father. “When I hear the sound of the hammer, I feel like my father is beside me again. I remember how

MALACCA: Apart from waving the Jalur Gemilang or wearing flag-inspired attire, Malaysians are now expressing patriotism in sweeter and more creative ways through cake art. The culinary world, especially in the field of pastry, is seeing patriotic themed cakes emerge not just as desserts but as edible expressions of national pride. Entrepreneur Hilaliyah Mohamed Hanif, 50, said creating such cakes is more than just fulfilling customer

requests. It is a subtle platform to instil national values. “When we see cakes or desserts with national motifs, the patriotic spirit naturally seeps in. “Over the past 16 years, I have made more than 10 such cakes, including pulut kuning (turmeric flavoured glutinous rice) for Merdeka Day.” Her designs are often inspired by cultural elements such as songket patterns, wau kites, bunga raya (hibiscus), traditional tanjak headgear and

Knife crafting hobby keeps retiree sharp KOTA BHARU: Thin smoke curls from glowing embers as Fauzi Yusoff, 69, firmly grasps his hammer. memory, a tribute to his late father Yusoff Kasim, a renowned blacksmith in Kampung Padang Embun, Pasir Mas. also produces machetes, keris , swords and sickles.

Although only six inches long, each “pisau jam” forged by Fauzi tells a deep and personal story. Its sheath is carved from Acacia wood with tiger-stripe markings, the bolster (aring) is crafted from hammered molten copper and the hilt is made from merbau wood. At home, his wife Che Azizah Mat Ali, 67, also a retired teacher, quietly witnesses her husband’s weathered hands working on his “pisau jam” passion with enduring devotion. Their four children and 11 grandchildren grew up to the rhythm of his hammer striking iron. They know that for Fauzi, this is not just work, it is in his blood, memory and soul, Bernama reported. Apart from “pisau jam”, Fauzi

His movements are calm and deliberate, synonymous with that of a craftsman skilled in working with fire and metal. The former headmaster is a seasoned artisan in the art of making “pisau jam”, a traditional Kelantan Malay knife. “The shape of ‘pisau jam’ is unique, like the hands of a clock. I use iron for the core of the blade, but the rest is made from a mix of five types of old ‘pamo’ iron. “If you look closely, you’ll see fine borders along the blade, that’s its signature,” said Fauzi, who is also known as Cikgu Fauzi. Knife making was merely an after school hobby for him more than three decades ago. Today, each strike of the hammer is a

Fauzi said the sound of the hammer striking the blade brings a comforting feeling of his late father’s presence. – BERNAMAPIC

machetes and sickles, which can be ready in a week. But making swords and keris takes time, precision and patience.”

he taught me to hold the hammer, how to be patient when the iron glows red,” he said. “Most orders today are for

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