IPOH: For the past few years, when August comes around, hundreds of Jalur Gemilang interspersed with Perak flags have been seen flying majestically at a Taman Harmoni flat unit in Ipoh.
The house belongs to single mother G. Rajspari, 62, who has been spending a considerable sum to purchase the flags.
Rajspari, affectionately called Ratha, has also decorated her two-room house with Jalur Gemilang, with the flags remaining proudly displayed until the Malaysia Day celebration on Sept 16.
“The idea to put up the flags came up when the country was facing the Covid-19 pandemic. At that time, movement was limited, and everyone had to stay at home. So, I decorated the house with flags to get rid of boredom and fill my free time.
“I became more enthusiastic after my neighbours encouraged me to continue this practice because it reminded them of the National Day celebrations,” she said when met by Bernama recently.
To spread the patriotic spirit, Ratha, who is disabled due to an accident 20 years ago, also drapes her car with Jalur Gemilang to drive the message around Ipoh with pride.
The mother of three displays her Jalur Gemilang-adorned vehicle all over the town either alone or accompanied by her daughter, S. Theinmoly, 39, in the morning or evening, and stops at several focal locations.
“I distribute flags to the public at the stops. I don’t feel like I’m losing or wasting time because at least people know about the Merdeka celebration and Malaysia Day.
“The most fun and emotional thing for me is when I see people smiling or waving; some even salute when they see the Jalur Gemilang waving on my car,” she said.
Theinmoly, who faithfully accompanies her mother, admits she is proud of her mother, who never complains of being tired and is always enthusiastic every time National Month approaches.
“My mother told me that everything she does is for the country and she wants to see all Malaysians, regardless of race or religion, united under one flag,” she said.
Retiree Rozadin Ibrahim, 67, and his wife Fauziah Ahmad, 63, in front of their home that has been decorated with Jalur Gemilang and replicas of the KLCC Twin Towers and Menara KL. – Photo: Bernama
Not missing out on flying the Jalur Gemilang is retired firefighter Rozadin Ibrahim, who also built replicas of the Petronas Twin Towers (KLCC) and Kuala Lumpur Tower from plastic bottles in his home compound in Kampung Bahagia, Sungai Siput near Ipoh.
Rozadin, 67, assisted by his wife Fauziah Ahmad, 63, also painted egg trays with red and white colours to display the words “Merdeka 67” as a symbol of this year’s 67th National Day celebration.
“We spent around RM500 to buy the Jalur Gemilang and the state flags. I also hung posters of all the prime ministers. Everything was bought online because it was easier,” he said, adding that it took a week to hang the flags and build the replicas.
Meanwhile, Fauziah said her seven children and grandchildren felt happy when they returned home recently and saw the colourful residence decorated with flags and replicas. – Bernama
