Erma Fatima personally crafts daughter's wedding dowry, determined to preserve Malay traditions

As her daughter Norain Sofea prepares for her engagement on July 18th, acclaimed director and producer Erma Fatima is personally overseeing the creation of the wedding dowry and decorations. This hands-on approach is a special gesture, marking what she calls her "last gift" before her daughter embarks on the next chapter of her life.

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On July 18, I will be receiving my first son-in-law. The dowry and decorations are all made by me because this is the last gift I can give my daughter as a keepsake.

This will be the first time the family welcomes a son-in-law, and Erma, 58, is embracing the preparations with enthusiasm. While her daughter, a member of Generation Z, has her own ideas, Erma is determined to infuse the celebration with traditional Malay customs. She believes these heritage practices are fading and wants her daughter to experience them fully.

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She has her own opinions because she is Generation Z. But I told her, people are forgetting Malay customs.

"People are forgetting Malay customs," Erma explained. "So I want her to follow Malay customs from A to Z until the ceremony is over. If she wants to do things her way, she can do them after my planned event."

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So I want her to follow Malay customs from A to Z until the ceremony is over. If she wants to do things her way, she can do them after my planned event.

The traditional elements extend beyond decor, encompassing events like a henna night, Quran completion ceremony, flower bath, and a traditional procession with a palanquin and kompang drumming. Erma has also stipulated that her daughter must wear a traditional Malay songket outfit, not a Western wedding gown, for the ceremony she is organizing.

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She cannot wear a gown. If she wants to wear a gown, she can do it on the groom's side. For my ceremony, she must wear songket and follow the correct Malay way.