A neighbourhood playground in Mutiara Damansara erupted in colour and song as residents gathered for a vibrant National Day and Malaysia Day carnival.
Organised by the Mutiara Damansara Community Social and Recreation Association, the event was held at the Jalan PJU 7/11 playground in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
It brought together families, children and senior citizens, alongside representatives from Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ), the police, Fire and Rescue Department along with the National Unity and National Integration Department.
The carnival showed how neighbourhoods can foster the unity at the heart of Malaysia Day, said the association in a statement.
Residents from different backgrounds joined in patriotic songs, while children took part in various activities.
Families gathered over a spread of Malaysian favourites, from satay and cendol to rojak, kuih, apam balik, masala tea and burgers.
The organisers said the celebration was a reminder that unity begins at the community level.
MBPJ councillor Danny Chan shared updates on improvements to the neighbourhood’s public facilities, carried out through a collaboration between residents, MBPJ and local community committees.
The association said persistent ponding at the playground has been resolved, with new gym equipment and rubber matting installed for children and senior citizens.
The walkway around the playground has also been extended to encourage walking and jogging.
The first phase of maintenance on the walkway near PJU 7/7 has also been completed using savings from an earlier RM50,000 project allocation.
Further upgrades to walkways and other community facilities are in the pipeline to make the neighbourhood more accessible and welcoming for residents.
Event sponsor JomCharge worked with the Fire and Rescue Department to conduct an electric vehicle (EV) safety talk and practical demonstration, helping residents better understand how to charge EV safely.
Residents also had the chance to experience rides on a fire truck, bringing firefighters and the community together in a more informal setting.
For the first time at the neighbourhood celebration, JomCharge used its EVs to power part of the carnival through Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology.
The initiative showed how EVs can go beyond transportation by supplying electricity to external equipment, helping make community events more environmentally friendly, added the association.
Meanwhile, guest of honour Bukit Lanjan assemblyman Pua Pei Ling announced that groundbreaking for a new community hall was targeted before Chinese New Year.
The proposed facility would give residents another place to gather, organise activities and strengthen community ties, adding to the neighbourhood’s existing outdoor spaces.
As the evening drew to a close, residents continued singing patriotic songs and celebrating together, reflecting the spirit of Malaysia Day.
