GEORGE TOWN: More than 1,000 residents of Desa Putra in Bayan Lepas are all geared up to celebrate the 60th Merdeka celebration.
For the first time in a decade since it was built, 240 Jalur Gemilang adorned the façade of the flats, visible to thousands of motorists plying the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway daily.
The flags were neatly hung side by side on every floor of the 11-storey flat, comprising 300 units.
The initiative was a joint effort between the Desa Putra joint management body, Pantai Jerejak assemblyman Datuk Mohd Rashid Hasnon, who is also Deputy Chief Minister I, and Penang-based property developer Aspen Group.
Desa Putra joint management body treasurer Muhamad Pozi Zainul Abidin said the initiative was to instil the spirit of patriotism in the run-up to the Merdeka celebration.
“We couldn’t be any prouder. Everyone in town is talking about us and the Jalur Gemilang adorning our building.
“We are in the midst of lining-up several programmes for the Merdeka celebration, and we can expect the celebration this year to be more rousing than previous years,” he told the New Straits Times (NST).
Pozi said since the flags were put up last Friday, after more than 17 hours of hard work, many people had shared the beautiful scenes on the numerous social media platforms.
“Indeed we are happy that our flats have been chosen for this initiative,” he added.
Pozi said the flags would be up until Malaysia Day on Sept 16.
Met by the NST at the flats this afternoon, building supervisor Mohd Pauzi Wadaud, 34, said as a resident, he felt proud to be able to be a part of this initiative.
“This year’s Merdeka celebration is extra special as we will be celebrating its 60th anniversary.
“And to be surrounded by hundreds of flags, all of us here are simply proud to be ‘Anak Malaysia’,” he added.