Latest news with #Kandapan
The Star
4 days ago
- General
- The Star
3,000 flags keep spirit of patriotism alive in Johor Baru
Full of pride: Kandapan proudly displaying his flagsaround his home and on his car in Bandar Sri Alam, Masai. — Bernama JOHOR BARU: As the nation celebrates the spirit of independence, a 65-year-old man in Johor has taken his patriotism to extraordinary heights. M. Kandapan has adorned his home and vehicle with about 3,000 pieces of the Jalur Gemilang, each carefully placed as a testament to his love for the country. This initiative is not new for Kandapan. For the past 25 years, he has made it his personal mission to decorate his home every national month as a way to express gratitude for living in a peaceful, harmonious and independent nation. 'This year, I replaced all the flags – about 3,000 of them, which I purchased online – and started decorating my home and car in July. My family helped me with the task,' he said at his home in Bandar Seri Alam, Masai, Bernama reported. For the father of three, it's more than just decoration; it's a lifelong commitment. 'I will continue to fly the Jalur Gemilang until the end of my life. This is my way of showing love for my country,' he shared. Despite the effort and cost involved, Kandapan takes immense joy in seeing the flags proudly fluttering outside his home and attached to his vehicle. 'Every time I see the Jalur Gemilang, I feel a deep sense of satisfaction and pride. It's an indescribable feeling,' he added. Kandapan believes everyone expresses their love for the country in their own way. 'This is mine. It may seem small to some, but it means a lot to me. While decorating my home and car with flags may cost me, it's nothing compared to the sacrifices made by those who fought for the country's independence,' he said. To Kandapan, Malaysia's true strength lies in its diversity. 'Our unity across races, religions and cultures is what makes Malaysia special,' he said. He also encourages everyone to support the 1 House 1 Jalur Gemilang campaign and to show respect for the flag. 'I want my children and grandchildren to remember the peace we have and truly understand the meaning of independence,' he said, hoping the next generation will carry forward the spirit of patriotism.
The Star
4 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Mixed reactions to RM100 one-off aid
Kandapan says the aid does not address deeper concerns. The Government's one-off RM100 cash aid under the 'Sumbangan Asas Rahmah' (Sara) initiative has sparked mixed reactions among Johoreans. Some welcomed it but also questioned its sustainability and impact amid rising living costs. They claimed the cost of living in Johor was among the highest in the country – something which needed to be addressed urgently. Retiree M. Kandapan, 65, said the RM100 disbursement might temporarily please some but it did not address the deeper concerns. 'Everyone will receive the money through their MyKad, regardless if they are B40, M40 or T20 folks. Lee says the aid creates a sense of inclusivity and unity. 'This initiative should be more targeted,' he opined. 'If someone earns RM5,000 and above, then he or she does not need this kind of aid.' The father-of-five highlighted the aid's limited purchasing power. 'Milk formula for children now costs RM120. 'If the government truly wants to help, then it should focus on retirees and low-income families instead of everyone,' he said. Kandapan also raised concerns about the MyKad mechanism, especially for petrol purchases. 'I am not comfortable with handing over my MyKad to a foreign worker at petrol station to redeem RM100 worth of fuel. 'I would rather use my own money than risk wasting time or exposing my personal data.' Siti Nur Hamidah says the aid should be targeted. Administrative staff Siti Nur Hamidah Abdul Hamid, 25, said the initiative was far from sufficient, given today's economic challenges. 'The amount is not enough for certain groups but it can be useful for many. At the very least, it would help reduce spending on daily necessities,' she said. 'However, I believe the aid would be more impactful if it was targeted to a specific group at a time, such as the B40 or M40, so the amount could be more meaningful for the recipients.' She added that although the gesture was appreciated, the RM100 felt largely symbolic. 'It is helpful to a degree, but in reality, it does not cover even a month's worth of basic groceries. 'I believe occasional aid is fine, but the Government should focus on long-term support that truly addresses people's needs.' Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Pasir Gudang Faculty of Civil Engineering senior lecturer Dr Lee Siong Wee, 48, welcomed the initiative as a reflection of the government's inclusiveness. 'The RM100 Sara aid reflects the Government's concern for all citizens, regardless of income group. 'It is especially beneficial for youth, particularly university students who have yet to earn a steady income. 'Although the amount is small, it should not be dismissed. 'When combined within a household, it can ease the financial burden of daily expenses,' Lee said. She said all Malaysians deserved such gesture from the Government. 'Even though B40 and M40 groups already receive other forms of targeted aid, it is good for the RM100 to be disbursed to everyone. 'It creates a sense of inclusivity and unity,' she added. On July 23, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that every Malaysian aged 18 and above would receive a one-off RM100 cash assistance credited directly to their MyKad under the Sara initiative. He said the move was in conjunction with National Day. It was aimed at easing the cost of living and to serve as a token of appreciation for the public.
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- General
- New Straits Times
A sea of Jalur Gemilang: Johor man's show of patriotism
JOHOR BARU: As the nation celebrates the spirit of independence, one elderly man in Johor has taken his patriotism to extraordinary heights. M. Kandapan, 65, has adorned his home and vehicle with over 3,000 pieces of the Jalur Gemilang, each one carefully placed as a testament to his unwavering love for the country. This initiative is not new for Kandapan. For the past 25 years, he has made it a personal mission to decorate his home every National Month as a way to express gratitude for living in a peaceful, harmonious, and independent nation. "This year, I replaced all the flags—about 3,000 of them, which I purchased online, and started decorating my home and car in July. My family helped me with the task," he said when met at his home in Bandar Seri Alam, Masai. For this father of three, it's more than just decoration, it's a lifelong commitment. "I will continue to fly the Jalur Gemilang until the end of my life. This is my way of showing love for my country," he shared. Despite the effort and cost involved, Kandapan takes immense joy in seeing the flags proudly fluttering outside his home and attached to his vehicle. "Every time I see the Jalur Gemilang waving, I feel a deep sense of satisfaction and pride. It's an indescribable feeling," he added. Kandapan believes everyone expresses their love for the country in their own way. "This is mine. It may seem small to some, but it means a lot to me. While decorating my home and car with flags may cost me, it's nothing compared to the sacrifices made by those who fought for the country's independence," he shared. To Kandapan, Malaysia's true strength lies in its diversity. "Our unity across races, religions, and cultures is what makes Malaysia special," he said. He also encourages everyone to support the 1 House 1 Jalur Gemilang campaign and to show respect for the flag. "The Jalur Gemilang represents our pride. Don't fly it torn or upside down—it disrespects the independence we hold dear," he said, adding that his decorations are a lasting symbol of his love for Malaysia, a love he hopes to pass on to future generations. "I want my children and grandchildren to remember the peace we have and truly understand the meaning of independence," he said, hoping the next generation will carry forward the spirit of patriotism. – BERNAMA
The Star
4 days ago
- General
- The Star
A sea of Jalur Gemilang: Johor man's show of patriotism
JOHOR BARU: As the nation celebrates the spirit of independence, one elderly man in Johor has taken his patriotism to extraordinary heights. M. Kandapan, 65, has adorned his home and vehicle with over 3,000 pieces of the Jalur Gemilang, each one carefully placed as a testament to his unwavering love for the country. This initiative is not new for Kandapan. For the past 25 years, he has made it a personal mission to decorate his home every National Month as a way to express gratitude for living in a peaceful, harmonious, and independent nation. "This year, I replaced all the flags - about 3,000 of them, which I purchased online, and started decorating my home and car in July. My family helped me with the task," he said when met at his home in Bandar Seri Alam, Masai. For this father of three, it's more than just decoration, it's a lifelong commitment. "I will continue to fly the Jalur Gemilang until the end of my life. This is my way of showing love for my country," he shared. Despite the effort and cost involved, Kandapan takes immense joy in seeing the flags proudly fluttering outside his home and attached to his vehicle. "Every time I see the Jalur Gemilang waving, I feel a deep sense of satisfaction and pride. It's an indescribable feeling," he added. Kandapan believes everyone expresses their love for the country in their own way. "This is mine. It may seem small to some, but it means a lot to me. While decorating my home and car with flags may cost me, it's nothing compared to the sacrifices made by those who fought for the country's independence,' he shared. To Kandapan, Malaysia's true strength lies in its diversity. "Our unity across races, religions, and cultures is what makes Malaysia special," he said. He also encourages everyone to support the 1 House 1 Jalur Gemilang campaign and to show respect for the flag. "The Jalur Gemilang represents our pride. Don't fly it torn or upside down-it disrespects the independence we hold dear," he said, adding that his decorations are a lasting symbol of his love for Malaysia, a love he hopes to pass on to future generations. "I want my children and grandchildren to remember the peace we have and truly understand the meaning of independence," he said, hoping the next generation will carry forward the spirit of patriotism. - Bernama View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bernama (@bernamaofficial)
Barnama
5 days ago
- General
- Barnama
A Sea Of Jalur Gemilang: Johor Man's Show Of Patriotism
By Nur Fadhliana Shaari JOHOR BAHRU, Aug 8 (Bernama) – As the nation celebrates the spirit of independence, one elderly man in Johor has taken his patriotism to extraordinary heights. M. Kandapan, 65, has adorned his home and vehicle with over 3,000 pieces of the Jalur Gemilang, each one carefully placed as a testament to his unwavering love for the country. This initiative is not new for Kandapan. For the past 25 years, he has made it a personal mission to decorate his home every National Month as a way to express gratitude for living in a peaceful, harmonious, and independent nation. "This year, I replaced all the flags—about 3,000 of them, which I purchased online, and started decorating my home and car in July. My family helped me with the task," he said when met at his home in Bandar Seri Alam, Masai. For this father of three, it's more than just decoration, it's a lifelong commitment. "I will continue to fly the Jalur Gemilang until the end of my life. This is my way of showing love for my country," he shared. Despite the effort and cost involved, Kandapan takes immense joy in seeing the flags proudly fluttering outside his home and attached to his vehicle. "Every time I see the Jalur Gemilang waving, I feel a deep sense of satisfaction and pride. It's an indescribable feeling," he added. Kandapan believes everyone expresses their love for the country in their own way. "This is mine. It may seem small to some, but it means a lot to me. While decorating my home and car with flags may cost me, it's nothing compared to the sacrifices made by those who fought for the country's independence,' he shared.
