Despite 200 Km In The Interior, jalur Gemilang Flies In Gua Musang Orang Asli Villages

GUA MUSANG, Aug 23 (Bernama) -- Flying the Jalur Gemilang is not just a symbol of independence, but a bridge connecting the people in the interior with the same spirit of National Day.

That is the sentiment of more than 5,000 Orang Asli residents in four remote settlements here when 2,000 Jalur Gemilang were distributed through the 'Kembara Merdeka Be Ades Ma Kampung' convoy of four-wheel drive vehicles which traversed challenging routes to enliven the 68th National Day celebrations in the interior.

The distribution of the national flag was led by 120 participants of the convoy, hailing from various agencies including the Orang Asli Development Department, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, National Registration Department, Department of National Unity and National Integration and the Asnaf Welfare Foundation of Malaysia to the Orang Asli community in Pos Balar, Pos Hau, Pos Belatim and Pos Bihai starting last Wednesday.

One of the participants who is also a civil servant, Wan Nazira Wan Nawi, 49, said the 200-kilometre journey over four days and three nights was deeply meaningful because it gave them the opportunity to meet and connect with the people in the interior.

"We held patriotic song singing, performances and distributing the national flag to the residents in the areas involved. Their enthusiasm was remarkable as once they saw the Jalur Gemilang being handed out, they rushed forward to receive it," she said at Pos Bihai.

Another participant, Hamzi Ab Rahman, 40, said the group faced various challenges including slippery, rocky and muddy roads, compounded by continuous rain into the night.

“The poor road conditions caused several vehicles to get stuck and that’s when the spirit of camaraderie and teamwork was outpouring to get the vehicles out of the rut.

“Despite our late arrival at several locations, the local community was still waiting with enthusiasm while waving the Jalur Gemilang and singing patriotic songs,” he said.

Meanwhile, Galas assemblyman Mohd Syahbuddin Hashim said the initiative was not only to celebrate independence day, but also to strengthen close ties with the Orang Asli community.

“The convoy carrying the Jalur Gemilang to the interior involved 30 four-wheel drive vehicles,” he said.

Meanwhile, Kampung Tendrik village head, Alang Segan said the programme further ignited the spirit of patriotism among the Orang Asli, especially the younger generation.

“When the rural community is also involved, it makes us appreciate the harmony in this country even more.

"Thank you to everyone who worked hard to help us feel the excitement of National Day even though we are deep in the interior," he said.

-- BERNAMA