DEMONSTRATING PATRIOTISM: The Kapit Chinese Chamber of Commerce has decorated its premises with Jalur Gemilang and Sarawak flags for the first time.
KAPIT: There are still very few flags flying here for National Day compared to previous years.
Although the Kapit-level celebration for Merdeka Month was launched on July 17, only government departments and schools seem to be have gotten into the spirit of things.
Most shop houses, residential areas and longhouses have yet to be decorated with the Jalur Gemilang or Sarawak flag.
“Last time we’re really enthusiastic to fly the Jalur Gemilang. Nowadays nobody seems to care. In those days, it was really great fun to fly the flag,” said a businessman who only wished to be identified as Ah Joo.
“Every year in August, my dad would hoist the flag in front of our shop and also the house. At sunset, he took down the flag and folded it back nicely and would repeat the process all over again the next day.”
Ah Joo said there seems to be a sense of apathy among locals this year.
“Don’t know why nowadays nobody seems to care about it. I don’t know the exact reason.
“Probably people are too busy with their daily routines and they have no time for the celebration. Time is money. The younger generation is not interested in flying the flag,” he added.
The lukewarm response from local businesses seems to have prompted the Kapit Chinese Chamber of Commerce to decorate its premises at Jalan Tiong Ung Hong with the Jalur Gemilang and Sarawak flag for the first time.
This will hopefully inspire their members to do the same at their businesses.