TELUK INTAN: More than 300 people gathered at the Menara Condong Teluk Intan courtyard today, all bearing the Jalur Gemilang.
The gathering was believed to be a direct response to an incident where Chinese flags were waved by participants of the Guan Gong World Celebration at the same location on Thursday.
Those in attendance today began gathering at the venue as early as 5am.
The participants waved the national flags and also sang the national anthem 'Negaraku, as well as other patriotic songs including 'Jalur Gemilang' and 'Saya Anak Malaysia'.
One of the participants, Roslan Omar, 42, said he came with his friend from Seberang Perak and Kampung Gajah to demonstrate their love for the country.
"I learned about the plans to assemble here from Facebook yesterday.
"We're here to show that this is our country. If I didn't come here, I wouldn't be able to express my stand," he said.
Another participant, who only wished to be known as Roslina, 57, said in all her years as a trader at the courtyard, Thursday's incident was the first time she saw a foreign flag being waved at the venue.
"Honestly, I felt uneasy watching it. So I fully support this initiative to gather here today," she said.
The hour-long event was supervised by the police and Teluk Intan Municipal Council officers.
On Thursday, an event organised by the Guan Gong Cultural Association of Malaysia saw Chinese flags being waved.
The association apologised for the incident, saying that those waving the Chinese flags were Chinese nationals.
Police have recorded statements from 17 Chinese nationals over the incident.