TAWAU (Aug 21): The communal pact, cooperation and patriotic spirit displayed by the residents of Lorong 2C in Taman Semarak here to fuel this year’s National Month celebrations should be praised and emulated by other Malaysians.

This is because, despite the country’s challenging economic situation, residents living in the lane (Lorong 2C) are still willing to sacrifice time and money to build up the spirit of independence in their housing area.

Taman Semarak Community 2C Jalur Gemilang flag committee member Julina Ladau, 47, said residents of the lane agreed to raise money to the tune of more than RM3,000 to buy flags and cover expenses for building a Merdeka bamboo arch.

“This is actually the first time the 2C community is working together to celebrate Merdeka. Previously, for every national celebration, only two or three houses would display the flag, but this year we involved about 2,000 residents, in agreement as one Keluarga Malaysia (Malaysian Family) to put up the Jalur Gemilang.

“We are grateful for the cooperation of the Taman Semarak 2C community because, without cooperation, nothing would be achieved. We are proud of ourselves, we hope everyone will always love the nation,” she told Bernama.

According to Julina, the 2C residential area also won the Keluarga Malaysia community flag competition organised by the Tawau Information Department when the winners were announced on Aug 14.

Meanwhile, Salmah Joe, 49, said she and other residents took two weeks to beautify the 2C residential area with Jalur Gemilang decorations to ensure the spirit of independence could be felt by people of all ages.

“We constructed the bamboo arch, decorations like this raise a spirit of patriotism among the population, especially young people, so that they are aware of the significance of National Day, which is especially important for the young generation now,” she said and hoped that such a programme could be held every time the National Day and Malaysia Day are celebrated.

Azlansah Palari, 49, said such activities not only increased patriotic spirit but strengthened neighbourhood ties after the residents worked together for two weeks to prepare an arch decorated with the Jalur Gemilang.

“Some of us male residents went into the forest twice to collect bamboo, we made this bamboo gate (arch) at night until 1 am, during the day we worked, the creativity of ​​decorating it was left to the womenfolk.

“Thank you to all in the 2C community, without everyone’s cooperation, the arch would not be standing, and there would be no Jalur Gemilang decoration. This activity turned out well because there is a sense of goodwill,” he said.

Meanwhile, Tawau Information officer Azuary Abdul Azis said the celebration of the National Month and the flying of the Jalur Gemilang in this district is very encouraging in every area.

“The construction of the Jalur Gemilang arch, as well as the decorations at the houses in Lorong 2C Taman Semarak, proves that the community in the area is inclusive and practices the concept of togetherness as well as being grateful for the blessing of the country’s independence that is being enjoyed.

“Activities like this are the elements that make up the spirit of Keluarga Malaysia Teguh Bersama (Malaysian Family Strong Together) and which is evident with the success of the residents in beautifying the area to fuel the patriotic spirit,” he added.

According to him, the Tawau Information Department hopes that every level of society realises that flying the Jalur Gemilang at every National Month is a sign of love and patriotism for the country. – Bernama

Source:
courtesy of THE BORNEO POST

by SABAH

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