Jalur Gemilang flying high as National Day approaches

Proud to be Malaysian: Supermarket employee Irwan Sudirman putting up the Jalur Gemilang and Pahang state flags at the premises. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will be celebrating its 66th National Day on Aug 31, marking more than six decades of freedom and peace since the declaration of independence was marked by the raising of the Malaysian flag at the Selangor Club field here.

A survey of six states found that government buildings and private offices, public parks, schools, business premises and main roads were decorated with Jalur Gemilang of various sizes.

In Perak, Ipoh Mayor Datuk Rumaizi Baharin urged the owners of business premises and residences to fly the Jalur Gemilang from July 1 to Sept 30.

This is to achieve the state government’s initiative to hoist 7,000 Jalur Gemilang in Ipoh, which is being carried out now.

Taking on the initiative, Tazar Alang Ibrahim, 63, has created replicas of a helicopter, cannon, tank, boat, wau (kite) and an aeroplane using the Jalur Gemilang.

He spent RM500 to make the replicas with tyres, recycled materials and scrap metal, which he proudly displayed outside his workshop at Jalan Tasek.

In Melaka, the Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council (MPTHJ) building has already been decorated with the Jalur Gemilang both inside and outside, while the main roads in Lebuh Ayer Keroh and Seri Negeri have been brightened up with many flags.

“Business premises or private buildings will start flying the flags in stages. And we will ensure the local council premises will also be decorated with the Jalur Gemilang to liven up the Merdeka celebrations,” said MPTHJ president Datin Sapiah Haron. — Bernama