Fly the flag for pride and prizes

Azhan presenting a mini flag to a police officer during MBPJ’s pre-National Day event along Jalan Yong Shook Lin in Petaling Jaya.

PATRIOTIC fever is sweeping Petaling Jaya as the city council launches various initiatives to enliven the upcoming National Day celebration.

Mayor Datuk Azhan Md Amir said the highlight was a Jalur Gemilang competition organised by Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) involving 10 categories such as markets, educational institutions and malls.

“Cash prizes await contestants who will be judged on creativity and impact of their Jalur Gemilang decorations.

“Winners will receive RM1,000, while the runner-up and second runner-up will receive RM750 and RM500 respectively.

“For ‘Pertandingan Keceriaan Komuniti Merdeka 2023’, the winner will receive RM4,000,” he said.

Winners will be announced on Sept 16.

Adding to the festive atmosphere is a giant Jalur Gemilang measuring 49m long and 12m wide hung up on Menara MBPJ.

“Selected roads in Petaling Jaya have also been decorated with mini flags, while the areas around Menara MBPJ are adorned with at least 2,000 national flags,” said Azhan during the “Semarak Patriotisme” event which included a National Day march by MBPJ officers.

“When motorists use the Federal Highway passing through Petaling Jaya, they will be greeted by the Jalur Gemilang lining Petaling Jaya’s side of the highway.

“We hope this initiative will encourage Malaysians, especially the youth, to express the spirit of patriotism.

“It is important that we come together as one to celebrate Merdeka.

“What better way is there to add colour to the city than with our national flag.” — By MEGAT SYAHAR