GEORGE TOWN: With hundreds of mini Jalur Gemilang fluttering from his van, Sapno Tukijo’s daily drive around town has become a moving display of patriotism.
For the past five years, the 59-year-old, originally from Riau, Sumatra, has been decorating his van with Malaysian flags to spread the National Day spirit.
Sapno has been married to a Malaysian for more than 30 years and holds permanent resident (PR) status in Malaysia.
He has six children aged between 15 and 30, and currently works full time as a bilal (muezzin) at Masjid Kapitan Keling here.
Sapno also works part-time as a security guard and earns extra income providing home repair services around town.
“I live nearby and am skilled in plumbing, electrical work and various home repairs.
“Five years ago, I decided to decorate my van with Jalur Gemilang flags.
“I use flags of different sizes and find ways to attach them all around the van, especially on the roof,” he said.
Some flags are glued directly onto the van while others are screwed onto rails attached to the vehicle to keep them firmly in place.
Sapno said the flags had been put up since Aug 1 and would remain on the van until Malaysia Day on Sept 16.
He said people’s reactions as he drives around town makes his effort worthwhile.
“It brings happiness and joy when I drive past, and people beam with joy.
“I am glad to help spread the spirit of patriotism in such a harmonious and peaceful country,” he added.
Sapno came to Malaysia in 1987 and met his wife, Penangite Norlia Mohamed Noor, 61, in Kuala Lumpur.
The couple later moved back to Penang.
