Flying the flag: Ipoh's Taman Klebang Putra 1 residents set up 'Laman Merdeka'

IPOH: In conjunction with National Month celebrations, residents of Taman Klebang Putra 1 here decided to set up a "Laman Merdeka" in their neighbourhood field to show their patriotism and love for the country.

Klebang Putra 1 Neighbourhood Watch Committee (KRT) chairman Dr Mohamad Azrul Azly said the idea to set up Laman Merdeka involving about 1,300 Jalur Gemilang, which is nearly 80% complete, came from a discussion with residents who wanted to do something different to commemorate this year’s National Day.

"Every year, the Klebang Putra 1 KRT will distribute Jalur Gemilang to every house here, but not all residents will fly it, so we came up with the idea to set up Laman Merdeka to put up the national flags,” he told Bernama.

Dr Mohamad Azrul said that the field was chosen as a place to set up the Laman Merdeka because residents frequented it for recreation and leisure, especially in the evening.

Meanwhile, Laman Merdeka director Mohd Rizal Mohd Rajab said that notable features of the project include an arch decorated with Jalur Gemilang, as well as replicas of a tank, KL Tower and wau (traditional Malaysian kite).

He said the replicas were built by residents using recycled materials such as PVC pipes, plastic bottles and tyres.

To enliven both National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations this year, Mohd Rizal said that a mini independence exhibition would be held at the field on Sept 10 from 8.30am to 12.30pm.

He said the exhibition would involve the police, the Fire and Rescue Department, the Health Ministry, the Perak State Archives, and the Perak Islamic Religious Department (JAIPk).

Meanwhile, Muhammad Husaini Abd Hadi, 32, a cook at an offshore company, expressed delight at being able to contribute to the setting up of the Laman Merdeka after six years of celebrating National Day overseas.

"This is the first time I’ve participated in such activities with the residents here; we do everything together, which not only helps boost our patriotic spirit but also fosters good ties with neighbours,” he said.

Another resident Syahrifah Haszreena Zulkifli, 36, believes that the effort to establish the Laman Merdeka could assist in instilling patriotism in the younger generation.

"It also teaches our children the value of independence. The flags put up here are also attractive and can enliven National Day celebrations,” she added. - Bernama