PUTRAJAYA: Every year as the National Day approaches, the residents of Block A1 Phase 7 Precinct 9 here will have a gotong-royong to beautify their housing area and homes with the Jalur Gemilang.

       This year, despite the restrictions on movement because of the Covid-19 pandemic, occupants of the government quarters remain enthusiastic as they go about hanging the national flags to ensure a lively and celebratory atmosphere at the housing block.

       Block A1 chairman Noraida Din said about RM400 had been spent this year on more than 400 flags of various sizes and decorative lights around the area.

       “Some of the flags have been recycled from previous years and we also received contributions of 100 flags from Putrajaya Corporation (PPj),” he said.

       A total of 200 flags have been placed around the compound of the housing quarters, while the rest was used to decorate the units and the Laman Santai garden in the area.

       Noraida, who is also the Rukun Tetangga chairman for the block, said the committee members took two days to enliven the block with the Jalur Gemilang.

       “We hang up these decorations to promote a sense of patriotism, especially among the young people, so that they are aware of the history and importance of the National Day.

       “At Laman Santai, we have put up Rukun Negara posters for the residents to take selfies or photographs while relaxing there,” said Noraida.

       PPj president Datuk Muhammad Azmi Mohd Zain said 4,620 Jalur Gemilang had been put up in several locations here while 4,000 flags were distributed to the local community through the resident representative councils.

       He added that a total of 2,230 flags had been installed on lamp posts, bridges and complexes belonging to PPj, and another 2,390 flags in public parks.

       “I hope more people will fly the Jalur Gemilang and join the merriment this year while adhering to the standard operating procedure,” he said. — Bernama