KENINGAU: Once a common sight in every kampung, colourful flags fluttering in the breeze are becoming rarer across rural Sabah as fewer people decorate their homes and shops for the National Month.
Many villagers said the cost of buying flags has discouraged them as the government no longer provides them for free like it did decades ago.
A large Jalur Gemilang or Sabah flag now costs about RM40 each. Despite this, some residents still continue the tradition.
In Kg Bunga Raya, a small village in Keningau, about 120km south of Kota Kinabalu – Eving Basinau, 67, has decorated his grocery shop with a set of state flags and the national flag, just as he does every August.
“No matter how bad things are, I think it’s important to remember that at least Sabah and Malaysia are independent and free from colonisation. We are peaceful. That’s worth celebrating,” he said.
Just a few doors away, a large house is proudly adorned with two enormous flags at the entrance.
According to Azila Adin, 30, it’s all her father’s doing.
“He does this every August without fail. For him, it’s almost compulsory. It’s just like putting up festive decorations – you don’t need a reason, it’s a celebration,” she said.
Villagers like Eving and Azila’s father are quietly keeping the Merdeka spirit alive, their flags fluttering as reminders of pride, independence and peace.
