BANGI: For Nur Farhanim Jamalarsad, having her second vaccination date scheduled for Aug 31 didn't mean that she had to skip the Merdeka celebrations.
The 22-year-old factory worker from Beranang, Selangor instead brought the celebration with her to the Bangi Avenue Convention Centre vaccination centre (PPV), where she stole the show with her homemade Jalur Gemilang blouse fashioned out of two life-sized flags.
She said she, like many Malaysians, has had to celebrate Merdeka in a relatively muted fashion for the second year in a row and thought she would do something different this year.
"I bought the flags from a nearby DIY store and managed to convince a good friend of mine to help sew them into a blouse. She took about three days to get it done.
"This is the first day I'm wearing it," she beamed.
Nur Farhanim said she was grateful to the staff and volunteers at the PPV for doing their part to keep Malaysia safe, even on a public holiday.
"I hope we achieve herd immunity soon and be able to get on with our lives," she said.
Nur Farhanim however, wasn't the only one with patriotic spirit at the PPV, with many others wearing face masks, T-shirts, caps, hats and even 'Tanjak' bearing the Jalur Gemilang.
One of the PPV's volunteers, Nallasevam Jeganathan proudly wore a Merdeka-themed T-shirt and face mask as he ushered in vaccine recipients to the centre.
Merdeka holds a special place in the heart of the 30-year-old from Lubok Cina in Negri Sembilan, having participated in two district-level Merdeka Day parades in 2009 and 2012.
"Although we haven't been able to celebrate like before, the least we can do now is spread some cheer to those who came here today," he said.
Fellow volunteer Low Kok Chern, 38, wore a Jalur Gemilang-themed 'tanjak', was seen coordinating and helping out at the fast lane for senior citizens, the disabled and those with special needs.
"Today is actually my day off but I came in anyway because I thought there might be a lot of people coming in to get vaccinated. I also figured that my friends and colleagues here could use all they help they can get.
Also, it's Merdeka Day. What better way to celebrate than to volunteer and help out for a very good cause," said Low, whose knowledge of sign language helps him communicate better with deaf vaccine recipients.
Low said it was heartwarming to see his fellow Malaysians turn up for the vaccination in the national colours.
"While we celebrate Merdeka Day today, I hope we can soon also celebrate our independence from the virus."