Month-long events to celebrate National Day

A house gaily decorated with Jalur Gemilang, Johor flag and 3D hibiscus flowers in Kampung Sepakat Baru, Skudai in Johor Baru. Homeowners and businesses are reminded to display the flags throughout the Merdeka month. — Filepic

Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) has planned a month-long series of events to celebrate National Day throughout August.

Johor Baru mayor Datuk Mohd Noorazam Osman said the programmes, held in conjunction with Malaysia’s 66th National Day celebration on Aug 31, were aimed at instilling patriotism among the public.

“MBJB will be working with Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka and the Education Ministry to organise the “Bitara Bahasa Negara 2023” carnival between Aug 10 and 13 at Angsana Johor Baru Mall in Tampoi.

“Among the events at this carnival is a poetry competition for sajak, syair and pantun. We will also be having the Johor Baru Mayor’s Cup marching competition and state-level marching competitions for schools.

Mohd Noorazam: There may be a fireworks display on Aug 30.

“There will be display booths by various agencies, a book sale, colouring contest and many other events to cater to all ages,” he said during the MBJB monthly full board meeting held at Menara MBJB.

He added that the carnival would be held in conjunction with the National Language Month and the state-level Decade of Reading as well as to celebrate MBJB’s Enforcement Department’s 42nd anniversary.

The city council will also hold a countdown to usher in National Day, with events starting at 9pm at Dataran Bandaraya on Aug 30.

Mohd Noorazam said it would showcase cultural performances and other activities.

“We may also have a fireworks display to mark the celebration. Previous countdowns were on a muted scale due to Covid-19 restrictions.

“The other programmes that MBJB will be hosting this month include the JB Car-Free Day and JB Neon Recreational Night with a Merdeka theme,” he added.

Meanwhile, the public have been urged to display the Jalur Gemilang and Johor flag at their respective premises.

“I encourage the people, homeowners and business owners to show their love for our country by displaying both Johor and the national flags at their premises.

“However, they must ensure that the flags are in good condition and are displayed according to directives,” he said.