IT WAS almost midnight.
But a group of men showed no signs of fatigue as they diligently put up Jalur Gemilang in and around their housing area at AU2 Taman Keramat in Hulu Kelang, Selangor.
Soon, the area came alive with vibrant hues of red, white, yellow and blue – the colours of our national flag.
Known as Rumah Pangsa AU2, the 18-block strata residence was primed and ready to celebrate our nation’s 68th National Day.
Mohamad Halim Mohamad Said, chairman of the residents association for Blocks M to W, said more than 300 flags had been placed around the area.
“We collected funds among residents to buy the flags.
“This has become our tradition, to decorate our housing area with national flags during the Merdeka month.”
Hulu Kelang state constituency coordinator Juwairiya Zulkifli also contributed to this, he said.
As National Day approaches, this local community is among many in Selangor revving up the festive vibes.
Mohamad Halim said residents had also planned a gotong-royong and kenduri tomorrow.
“The men will get busy sprucing up the neighbourhood clearing drains, trimming bushes and removing illegal water pipes.
“The women will cook for the feast after. I have ordered 30 chickens to be cooked,” he added.
Unlike past years, this year’s event has residents from all the blocks joining hands.
“The vibe is really positive, everyone is very enthusiastic to be part of the celebration,” added Mohamad Halim.
Community bonding
In Section 6, Petaling Jaya, an equally celebratory atmosphere is palpable, as many residents put up the Jalur Gemilang at their homes.
Eager to welcome National Day, several events have been lined up, said Section 6 PJ Rukun Tetangga chairman Rajesh Mansukhlal.
He said a small feast would be held tomorrow, with the target to bring together some 180 households.
“We have sent out the invitation in the neighbourhood’s WhatsApp group. During the event, residents will sing Negaraku and raise the Jalur Gemilang.
“It will be followed by a simple breakfast and various activities,” he said, adding that the area local councillor contributed monetarily for the food.
To encourage parents with young children to attend the neighbourhood’s National Day event, Rajesh said a colouring contest was held recently.
“Participants will have to show up at the Aug 31 event to know who wins,” he said, adding that the winning works would also be displayed.
Rajesh said children from nearby welfare homes were also invited to the feast, where various games would be organised.
“These children rarely get to mingle outside, so this is an opportunity for them to socialise as part of our community.”
He said community programmes were a platform for residents from various backgrounds to mingle.
“Such events serve as a reminder of the struggle of our forefathers and for us to better appreciate the harmony we enjoy today,” he added.
Mutiara Damansara residents, however, held their National Day celebration two weeks ago.
They enjoyed a feast together and had cultural stage performances aside from various activities for children.
Many food trucks and stalls were set up, offering chicken bolognese, macaroni and cheese, chicken chop, soybean milk, rojak, burger and ice-cream among the dishes.
Organised by Mutiara Damansara Owners and Residents Association (Zone A), it was attended by some 800 people.
Organising committee member Winnie Scott said those from zones B and C, and Surian Condominium, were welcomed.
She thanked Bukit Lanjan assemblyman Pua Pei Ling and MPBPJ Zone 2 councillor Danny Chan Pak Keung for sponsoring the event.
“This was the second community programme held by the association following last year’s Christmas party,” Scott said.
Unique approach
In Taman Gasing Indah in Petaling Jaya, residents are taking a different approach to mark National Day.
They are organising a bird competition with a bird enthusiast association.
Its Rukun Tetangga logistics and security head Allan Woo said they had organised such a competition before, but this time would be the biggest one.
“We are estimating up to 200 participants, with between 350 and 400 birds involved.
“We are having a bird competition because past experience showed that it drew people of all races.
“This could be a platform to bring people from various backgrounds united by a common interest,” he said.
The bird competition will be a departure from last year’s National Day programme where residents got to enjoy a variety of Malaysian fruits such as durian, rambutan and mangosteen, according to Woo.
“Last year, we had an event where residents only had to pay RM10 to eat various fruits, including over 500kg of the Musang King durian.
“We wanted to hold a similar programme this year but unfortunately, durian is currently not in season,” he said.
At Bukit Setiawangsa in Setiawangsa, Kuala Lumpur, residents also pooled funds to buy national flags to decorate the common areas.
Its residents association chairman Ahmad Shukri Abd Shukor said they began putting up flags at the area’s entrance and playground two weeks prior.
“This is an annual activity for us.
“We also sent out a reminder for homeowners to fly the flags at their own homes,” he added.
Ahmad Shukri hoped government agencies and local authorities could distribute flags to residents in future.
“We used to receive some from Kuala Lumpur City Hall, but there was none this year,” he said.
