Thousands of Jalur Gemilang, unwavering enthusiam define Felda Jengka 24's Jiwa Merdeka

The settlement comes alive with a festive atmosphere, featuring thousands of Jalur Gemilang in various sizes, displayed from the entrance gate to each of the 300 houses across 14 blocks. This vibrant display reignites the spirit of patriotism for anyone arriving here.

The impressive effort of 2,000 residents, including both elderly settlers and the second generation, is evident in the way they collaboratively decorate their homes. Beyond just flying the Jalur Gemilang, they showcase their creativity and innovation through unique and diverse decorations.

Tok Empat Felda Jengka 24, Razak Daud, 64, likens the atmosphere to a 'kenduri besar hari penuh istimewa,' a grand and special celebration. This tradition, which has been in place since 2018, aims to enhance the National Day and Malaysia Day (HKHM) festivities, with preparations starting early this month.

"Each year, we strive to make our National Day and Malaysia Day decorations unique. We update the concept and increase the number of Jalur Gemilang. For instance, we started with 3,000 flags in 2018, increased to 6,000, and paused during the COVID-19 pandemic," he said.

"Then, we resumed with 9,000 flags, followed by 10,000 last year. This year, we've increased it to 15,000 Jalur Gemilang. Beyond just flying them, each flag showcases individual creativity, such as producing replicas. Most notably, this year we have sewn a 300-meter-long flag," he told Bernama.

The father of ten, who is also the Felda Jengka 24 settlers' chief, explained that the flag, measuring 61 centimetres wide and 122 centimetres long, stretches from the settlement's gate to block 13, and was sewn by the Felda women themselves.

The sewing activity began in the afternoon after Asar prayers, with tasks divided among the 14 blocks. Men were responsible for creating Merdeka-themed replicas from discarded materials to decorate each block's entrance.

"Felda Jengka 24 has 14 blocks, and each block will decorate its houses with 1,000 flags. The 300-metre-long Jalur Gemilang was initially planned to be installed on both sides of the road from the entrance gate. However, due to the difficulty it would cause for traffic, we decided to place it only on the right side. This effort is intended to rekindle the spirit of celebrating the 67th Merdeka this year," he said.

Interestingly, the materials used for creating Merdeka-themed replicas and Jalur Gemilang flags are sourced through the settlers' own initiative. They have even set up a special fund for HKHM decorations rather than relying solely on free flags.

They travelled as far as Kuantan or even Kuala Lumpur to obtain the flags, as local shops in Jengka, Bandar Tun Razak, and nearby areas often run out of stock.

"We had to go to Kuantan and Kuala Lumpur for flags because local areas like Jerantut and Temerloh were out of stock. Despite spending their own money, the community's enthusiasm remains undiminished. They are eager to beautify the Jengka 24 area," he said.

"The atmosphere is akin to celebrating a very special occasion due to the collective effort of both young and old. For example, one block has created replicas of an aircraft, a kite, and the original Felda settlers' house. We combine our ideas and creativity," he said.

Given the settlers' dedication to enhancing the HKHM celebrations, it is no surprise that this settlement has won the Kampung Patriotik category three times in a row during the National Month and Malaysia Day celebrations in the Felda Jengka Region.

For Nurul Nadia Ahmad, 34, a clerk and second-generation settler, the competition among blocks for the most beautiful and creative decorations does not hinder their cooperation.

"There is indeed a competition, with RM1,000 awarded to the winner. However, the real measure is not the prize but the deep spirit of independence and patriotism among the people here," she said.

"We don't mind spending money on thousands of Jalur Gemilang flags or second-hand materials like tyres and putting in the effort to decorate for National Day and Malaysia Day. What truly matters is the Jiwa Merdeka of Felda Jengka 24," she added.

-- BERNAMA