Flags fly high, a nation’s pride

Residents of Bandar Tasik Puteri in Rawang, Selangor, with their LED Jalur Gemilang.

The air is filled with the spirit of patriotism as Malaysians fly the Jalur Gemilang to celebrate National Day on Aug 31 and Malaysia Day on Sept 16.

Children from Tadika Kemas Kampung Paris 2 in Kinabatangan, Sabah, clad in their traditional outfits while proudly waving mini flags. — Photos: AZLINA ABDULLAH, ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star and Bernama

It will be no surprise to see Malaysian homes, offices, places of worship and even vehicles decorated with the flag.

Former army man Abd Hamid Hussin getting help from wife Juriah Samat to decorate their house and yard at Kampung Titi Teras in Balik Pulau, Penang, with 1,000 pieces of Jalur Gemilang.

Flying the Jalur Gemilang is central to these celebrations and a physical way for citizens to express their love for the country.

Mohamad Salleh does not pass up the chance to decorate his home in Kota Baru, Kelantan, as a show of patriotism.

Rukun Tetangga and residents associations are leading the way by distributing the Jalur Gemilang to their communities and neighbourhoods, while flags are also given out to motorists at various toll rest stops to be displayed on their vehicles.

A temple worker setting up a Jalur Gemilang bunting at Arulmigu Rajamariamman Devasthanam in Johor Baru, Johor.

That’s not all though. With plenty of activities and programmes scheduled, there’s no better time to soak in the atmosphere of what it truly is to be Malaysian.

In Jerteh, Terengganu, gardener Wan Mustafa Wan Hasan bedecks his car with 68 flags to mark the nation’s years of independence.