KEPALA BATAS: Overwhelmed by the support they received last year, a family in Kampung Dua Puluh in Pasir Gebu here has decided to decorate the front of their house with Jalur Gemilang, the Penang flag and those of other states as a sign of love for the country ahead of the 65th Merdeka celebrations this year.
Ibrahim Yahya, 58, with the help of his family members and neighbours, has lined both sides of a 40m-stretch from his house leading into Kampung Dua Puluh with up to 800 flags of various sizes.
This is the second year the family has created an archway of sorts from their house into the village. For the past 11 years, they had only decorated the front of their house.
"We started planning for the Merdeka decorations last year itself after receiving overwhelming support from the villagers.
"This year, we wanted to make it even grander by doubling the number of flags and including the flags of all 14 states.
"By including the flags of 14 states, we want to show that the Keluarga Malaysia spirit is very much alive in our village.
"We also started the preparations for the Merdeka month early by putting up the flags from July 30," he told the New Straits Times at his house here.
The NST team could hear motorcyclists shouting "Merdeka", "Merdeka" each time they passed by the archway.
Ibrahim said it made him happy and proud to know that the villagers appreciated his work and idea.
"What's more, we get to spread the love for the country with others out there. We hope to continue doing this next year and for many more years to come."
Ibrahim said the plan was to put up 1,000 flags this year compared with about 400 flags last year.
He said the Covid-19 pandemic last year made it difficult for them to source the flags.
"This time around, we made early preparations and ordered the flags from an online shopping platform months ahead. It cost quite a lot of money, but that is beside the point.
"The end result gives us great satisfaction."