Mohammad Zahri (second row, sixth from right) launching the ‘Kibar Jalur Gemilang’ campaign in Petaling Jaya ahead of National Day. — Photos: CHAN TAK KONG/The Star
The “Kibar Jalur Gemilang” programme in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, kicked off with a bustling day of activities at Laman MBPJ.
The event is part of the broader “Kembara Merdeka Jalur Gemilang” (KMJG) campaign in conjunction with National Day celebrations.
The Petaling Jaya programme in Jalan Yong Shook Lin saw a gathering of about 1,500 people including residents, representatives of educational and financial institutions, hospitals, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the private sector.
The ‘Kembara Merdeka Jalur Gemilang’ convoy being flagged off.
Activities included a colouring contest, food truck sales, seedling giveaways, PJ Eco Free Market, Library on Wheels and lucky draw.
A 50% membership discount for the PJ community library was also offered.
Among the visitors was Nurul Ain Manan, who brought her children to help them gain a deeper appreciation of the country’s independence.
“The National Day programme allows us to experience the spirit of independence and patriotism. I want my children to see that.
“Although we can access information about Merdeka, it’s not always accurate online and can be misinterpreted,” she said.
The event was launched by Petaling Jaya mayor Mohamad Zahri Samingon, who also flagged off the KMJG convoy.
The convoy featured 98 participants and 62 vehicles from various federal and state government agencies including MBPJ, the Information Department and Selangor Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission.
The programme received support as well from the Harley Davidson Club PJ, which turned up with 10 high-powered motorcycles.
Selangor Information Department director Kazidi Mohd Zainudin said Selangor was the fourth state in the KMJG convoy route after Johor, Melaka and Negri Sembilan.
The day before, the convoy passed through Sepang district where the baton was handed over by a Negri Sembilan representative to the Selangor counterpart.
“Petaling Jaya is the second checkpoint in Selangor after Bandar Baru Salak Tinggi.
“The next checkpoint is in Sabak Bernam, where residents will welcome the convoy before the baton is passed to the Perak team, the fifth state of the KMJG convoy’s journey,” said Kazidi.
He added that the campaign’s aim was to ignite the patriotic spirit through the flying of the Jalur Gemilang and encouraging everyone to raise the flag at their homes, business premises and on vehicles throughout the National Day period.
Mohamad Zahri said the Information Department had approached Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) earlier this month to collaborate.
“We are giving our full support for the flag-off of KMJG.
“Today, we held eight of the 24 programmes lined up under KMJG.
“The programmes covered themes such as nationhood, community, arts, sports and public health,” he said.
Among the programme highlights is the International Aikido Shudokan Training Camp on Aug 22, which will attempt a Malaysia Book of Records entry with 1,000 Malaysian women participants.
A wide range of National Day-themed activities will take place until Sept 16.
In conjunction with Malaysia chairing Asean, the Placemaker Week Asean seminar will also be held from Aug 27 to 30.
