The COVID-19 pandemic has plagued the country for more than a year, however, it has not dampened the spirits of Merdeka despite the new norm.
To express their love for their tanah air, residents of the People’s Housing Project (PPR) in Padang Hiliran, Kuala Terengganu held a gotong-royong to complete a giant 50-meter long Jalur Gemilang to be hung on the 17-storey building.
Photo via Astro AWANI
According to Astro AWANI, the initiative was done to uplift the spirit of patriotism and love for the country among its community.
Retiree, Zabri Awang said the installation of the Jalur Gemilang has become an annual routine for him since he moved there in 2015.
“This has been our routine every year since I moved in 2015 until now. These flags signify our patriotism, the love we have for our country, and to celebrate anak-anak Malaysia of all ages,” he said.
While businessman, Muhammad Daniel Hafiz said that all residents of the PPR will fly the Jalur Gemilang as a symbol of patriotism towards the country.
“We are all residents here regardless of our race, Malay, Chinese or India, we are all united under one flag. We put up the flag together for our country, to celebrate Merdeka this August 31st,” he said.
The same feeling of love for the country was also expressed by a housewife, Yeow Kim Lien who also urged Malaysians to always stay united.
“We celebrate this National Day together. Malaysians need to be united,” she said.
The residents of the PPR spent almost RM1,500 of their own money to make the giant flag, as well as 2,000 other flags of different sizes to be used to decorate their building and residential area.
They also hoped that the tradition would continue on and strengthen the relationship between neighbours despite the circumstances that we are facing as a nation with the COVID-19 pandemic.
The PPR residents also reminded the community to not be complacent and reminded each other to always follow the SOPs to curb the spread of COVID-19.
This is amazing! Happy National Day, Malaysians.
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
