True patriots: The Jalur Gemilang and Penang state flags being displayed on the boats of a group of fishermen in Kuala Juru, Penang. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: Although National Day is still two weeks away, the Merdeka spirit is already in the air with the red, blue, white and yellow of the Jalur Gemilang clearly visible at shops, hotels, stalls, cars and even on fishing boats.
A group of fishermen in Kuala Juru put up the Jalur Gemilang and Penang state flags on their boats as an act of patriotism.
They then took their boats for a short trip along the river.
“With the pandemic slightly easing up, we decided to commemorate Merdeka Day by putting up flags on our boats.
“This is our way of showing our love for the country,” said one fisherman.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was on his Jelajah Penang tour, also joined in the initiative by planting two flags on a fisherman’s boat when he visited their jetty on Monday.
Over in George Town, several schools have also started their decorations for the upcoming National Day celebrations.
In front of St Xavier’s Institution, the Jalur Gemilang and the state flags were put up on the walls as part of the celebrations.
Its principal Goh Hong Peng said they started doing the decorations early this month.
“We have a giant flag as well but we will hold the launch on Aug 22. We are waiting for the school exams to be over first before we hold the ceremony,” he said.
He added that the decoration would only be removed after Sept 16.
Over at SJK(C) Union in Burmah Road, they have placed the Malaysian flag around the school and asked the students to wear caps made out of National Day-themed cardboard.
Its principal Khaw Chiew Hong said the students would make their own caps and wear it during the school’s celebration on Aug 29.
“We will have colouring activities for National Day as well.
“As Merdeka Day is a public holiday, our school will celebrate it two days earlier,” she added.
