JOHOR BARU: Volunteers and staff serving at a vaccination centre (PPV) here marked Malaysia Day with a simple yet spirited celebration.
Persada Johor Baru PPV coordinator Mohd Aiman Kadiman said that about 50 volunteers and staff members, including those from the Civil Defence Force and the army, took part in the celebration yesterday morning.
“The 30-minute celebration was to mark Malaysia Day as well as cheer up volunteers and staff who had to work on another public holiday.
“The PPV has not been closed since it started operating on June 7.
“There are 422 people serving at this PPV here but only a small number are able to participate in the event as they are busy with their duties. We also want to make sure that there is no large gathering,” he said.
Mohd Amin said apart from singing patriotic songs while waving the Jalur Gemilang, some even donned traditional attire.
“Volunteers here have taken their own initiative to celebrate other festivals previously by dressing in traditional clothes to keep the festive spirit alive.
“For Malaysia Day, we decided to conduct a traditional costume competition where we give some goodies to those putting in the extra effort to dress up in costumes,” he said.
Among those involved in the celebration was volunteer Farhana Hafinaz Musa, 39, who was spotted wearing a red saree.
“I wanted to wear something different for Malaysia Day this year and decided to borrow a saree from my friend.
“This is my first time wearing a saree and I viewed tutorial videos to learn how to drape the saree. It took me at least an hour to get ready this morning,” said Farhana Hafinaz.
Another volunteer, Mohammad Ainul Daniel Mohd Aidil, 18, said he decided to wear traditional Bajau attire as he rarely saw anyone wearing it in Johor.
“My Sabahan friend was pleased when I told him I wanted to wear it on Malaysia Day. He was happy to not just let me borrow the attire but also explain the tradition of the clothing.
“I hope this will also cheer up those coming to get their vaccine here,” he said.