Hajiji (front row, third left) and other guests showing the Jalur Gemilang after the press conference yesterday.
KOTA KINABALU: More than 65,000 Jalur Gemilang and state flags were distributed in conjunction with the launching of this year’s national level ‘Bulan Kebangsaan dan Kibar Jalur Gemilang’ campaign to encourage patriotism through waving the national flag.
Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Mohd Noor said the launching ceremony would be held on August 6 at the Tawau Municipal Council town field.
He said the state government had prepared more than 40,000 flags while the remaining surplus were distributed by the federal government.
“Both the national and state flags had been distributed beginning July 25 at the ministry and the federal (government) will be preparing 25,000 for the launching,” he said at a press conference here yesterday.
According to Hajiji, various programmes have been lined up for the state-level National Day celebration starting on August 5, including busking, exhibitions, concerts and the Jalur Gemilang Run.
There will also be the annual National Day parade on August 31, with the Head of State as the guest of honour.
This year’s marching competition, Hajiji disclosed, has received more than 300 registrations.
“Hence, we will ensure that the contingents selected to participate in the parade fulfil the needed criteria,” he said.
He urged Malaysians of all backgrounds to display the Jalur Gemilang at their premises and properties, to encourage patriotism while celebrating the nation’s historic day.
State’s acting information director, Yunus Saprin, said the Information Department is organising four competitions, namely a cleanliness competition, ‘Foto Merdeka’, short video competition, and the Selfie Merdeka Kelab 1Malaysia.