Although this year's Hari Kebangsaan will be celebrated in a different atmosphere because of COVID-19, it hasn’t stopped a timber entrepreneur from continuing his tradition of decorating his home with hundreds of Jalur Gemilang to show his love for the country.

Hassri Abdul Kadir, 53, said his interest in decorating with the Malaysian flag started six years ago because waving the flag made him feel proud.

"Probably because I was remembering those who fought for our independence, I decided to put up a large number of flags. I’ve also made a replica of the Petronas Twin Towers (from flags)," he told Bernama at his house in Kampung Bendahara today.

The father-of-three said family members help him with his mission through money and moral encouragement.

He said that he also decorates with posters of national heroes like the police, troops, doctors, nurses, ministers and even the Health director-general, Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah, who have given their all to protect the rakyat.

"While I am still healthy, I will carry on this tradition, and insyaallah, I will instil the value of putting up the national flag -- even if it’s just one flag -- in my children," said Hassri who has set aside RM200 for his Merdeka preparations this year.

He said that independence to him means freedom with limits and from interference.

He said loving the country is also not just about nurturing unity or respecting religious diversity, but upholding the honour of the Malaysian flag.

“I hope society will treasure the Jalur Gemilang and not treat it disrespectfully. In fact, it shouldn’t happen and a heavy penalty must be imposed for failing to respect the Malaysian flag and Constitution," he said.

-- BERNAMA