KLANG: Some 200 people made up of autistic children, media practitioners and Information Department staff channeled their patriotic spirit for Merdeka Day and Hari Malaysia 2017 by creating a graffiti on the wall of National Autism Society of Malaysia (NASOM) branch in Teluk Pulai, here, today.
The graffiti, themed 'Negaraku Sehati Sejiwa', measured 11.75 meter wide and 1.75 meter high.
Children from the age of 3 to 18 tried their hands at completing the artwork and had fun painting their palms and leaving their hand prints on the wall.
New Straits Times Press (M) Sdn Bhd, which was among the more than 10 media agencies, was represented by its two graphic designers, Ahmad Suhairy Shuib and Ahmad Yusri Abd Rahim.
Information Department director-general Datuk Ibrahim Abdul Rahman said this was the second time the depatment had worked with NASOM to carry out activities centred around the National Day and Hari Malaysia celebrations.
"This is our effort to be more inclusive with the community. We hope to instill the spirit of patriotism, the love for the country in these children and encourage unity in all layers of the society through this effort.
"The department is also very concerned and supportive towards associations such as NASOM where we can learn more about children with different abilities and their parents. There is also a need to increase awareness on autism," he said.
Also present was NASOM president Datuk Megat Ahmad Shahrani Megat Shahrudin.