Narrow paths, steep slopes, sharp, slippery and rocky surfaces were no obstacle for a group to reach the peak of Bukit Hantu, Jitra, Kedah.
Their mission was to raise a giant Jalur Gemilang at the peak.
Kampung Bukit Hantu community members made the climb four times after their flagpole repeatedly broke after being hit by strong winds.
Chairman Arif Fazilah Abdullah said the challenge did not dampen the residents’ determination to carry a flag measuring 4.5m by 9.1m to the peak of the hill that is 120m above sea level.
“Carrying the flag and its pole up was indeed difficult as the route to the peak is rocky, steep and narrow.
“We initially used a wooden pole, but it broke four times due to storms.
“Eventually, we used a 10m metal pole, which several residents had to carry without any specialised equipment,” he told Bernama at Kampung Bukit Hantu, Kodiang.
He said the residents’ perseverance paid off when the giant Jalur Gemilang was successfully installed and flown at the peak of the hill, in conjunction with National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations.
Residents worked together to sew and paint the Jalur Gemilang before carrying it to the peak.
Johari Mohd Said credited the group’s younger members for the success.
Mohd Firdaus Marzuki said they had never installed a flag of such size at the peak of a hill.
“The spirit of wanting to try something new motivated us to do it.”
