Patriotism in the air as flags go up nationwide

The Star

4 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR: August is a month filled with the spirit of patriotism, where Malaysians are encouraged to decorate their homes, offices and vehicles with the Jalur Gemilang as a sign of love for the country.
With 20 days left until the National Day 2025 celebration, people across the country have started flying the Jalur Gemilang, the national symbol.
A Bernama survey in Kampung Baru, located in the heart of the capital, and at Perumahan Awam Sri Perak, Sentul here, found that residents have put up the Jalur Gemilang at their homes to join in the national month celebration.
At Dataran Merdeka, the atmosphere of the National Day celebration is already palpable, as the area is filled with Jalur Gemilang decorations and various patriotic-themed displays.
In Melaka, the Jalur Gemilang was featured along main roads such as Jalan Hang Tuah, Jalan Tun Sri Lanang, Jalan Bendahara and Jalan Laksamana, thanks to initiatives from the local authorities.
Several hotels, private hospitals and tourist locations have also joined the effort to liven up the national month celebration, while fewer flags were seen at most residential areas and business premises.
The patriotic atmosphere is also being felt in Kuantan, Pahang, where the Jalur Gemilang and the state flag are proudly flying along main roads, at business premises and on government administration buildings.
The Kuantan City Council also launched the Jalur Gemilang and Pahang State Flag-Hoisting Programme from July 25 to Sept 16 to encourage the participation of residents.
Retired government official Sallehuddin Yaakob Rahman, 62, said he intends to put up the Jalur Gemilang at his home with a new flag before National Day on Aug 31.
'God willing, I will change it to a new one before Merdeka Day, so that we can all help to liven up the atmosphere,' he said.
In Kedah, the patriotic 'war' of the Jalur Gemilang can also be felt as premises and residential homes in the areas around Kota Setar, Pendang and Yan districts have begun installing the flags.
Tan Chin Eng, 62, from Yan, said he usually puts up the flag every time the national month arrives.
'I will install it soon. I've noticed that some premises and houses in this area have started putting up flags since Aug 1, but there are still many that haven't,' he said.
Civil servant Nur Syahirah Azlan, 34, from Kota Setar, said she installed three Jalur Gemilang flags in front of her house as a symbol of patriotism.
'Every year, my husband and I install the flags, and they stay flying until Malaysia Day.
'However, I noticed many people still don't fly the flags. Maybe because it's not compulsory, but they should at least fly one flag as a sign of love for the country,' she said.
Themed 'Malaysia Madani: A Compassionate Nation', the National Day 2025 celebration on Aug 31 will be held at Dataran Putrajaya, while the Malaysia Day celebration will take place on Sept 16 in Penang.