Embracing patriotism: Alexander (left), with his family and friends, with the Jalur Gemilang in front of their home in Penang. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: Penang-based Sabahan Kpl Alexander Aloysius would usually fly his family back to Kota Kinabalu to celebrate Malaysia Day.
Not this time. This year, the policeman from Pitas will be spending the day here with his family as Penang plays host to the national-level celebrations next Tuesday.
“This year, I will be on duty at the site. As a Sabahan working in Penang, I feel honoured to be on duty on this special day and wearing the uniform.
“I remind my family to cherish the freedom and harmony that our forefathers had fought hard to achieve,” said the father of two, who is based at the Central Seberang Perai police headquarters.
Kpl Alexander, 38, advised the younger generations not to take peace and stability for granted.
“Malaysia Day reminds us of the importance of unity among different races and states.
“I always teach my children about the meaning of independence and unity, so that they know that the peace we enjoy today didn’t come easy,” he added.
He will be on duty at the Penang International Convention Cultural and Arts Centre (PICCA) in Butterworth where the national-level celebration will take place on Sept 16.
Despite being away from his home state, the occasion continues to reignite his pride in serving the nation, which he has carried out for over 15 years.
Sarawakian Johan Almeda, 24, said he will be celebrating Malaysia Day with his friends in Penang. “A few of us Sarawakians living here plan to head to PICCA if the weather is good,” he said.
Originally from Sibu, Johan recalled celebrating Malaysia Day in Kuching back in 2019, when Sarawak hosted the national-level celebration.
“The atmosphere in Kuching was unforgettable. The cultural performances, traditional food fairs and people from all walks of life coming together.
“This year, even though I’m far from home, I still want to carry the spirit of Malaysia Day with me.
“Penang is unique in its own way, and it feels special to celebrate it here with fellow Sarawakians,” he added.
Meanwhile, hotels on both the island and mainland are hopeful for an increase in bookings as the Malaysia Day weekend approaches.
Prestige Hotel general manager Melvin Ooi said current occupancy stood at under 60%, with about half of the bookings made by foreign tourists.
“Based on booking trends, we are hopeful of an additional 10% increase as the weekend draws closer,” he said.
Iconic Hotel general manager Kevin Cheah said the booking rate for Malaysia Day weekend is just around 30%.
“We expect it to pick up as the celebration nears,” he said, adding that the hotel is offering promotional packages for those planning to stay during the extended holiday.
The Malaysia Day celebration, scheduled to begin at 8.30pm on Sept 16, will be launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The celebration will also be attended by Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ramli Ngah Talib, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The celebration, first held in Kuala Lumpur in 2011, is usually held in either Sabah or Sarawak. In 2022, it was once celebrated in Melaka.
