TANAH MERAH: The villagers of Kampung Bukit Kechik here have come up with a novel way to showcase their patriotic side this National Day, by making a giant Jalur Gemilang.
However, instead of using cloth, the 30-odd villagers are weaving the national flag using screwpine leaves, locally known as 'mengkuang'.
The village's Malaysian Family committee chairman, Mohd Nor Hassan, said the flag measures 2.5m in height and 35m in length.
He said they began the weaving process on July 28.
He said making a flag using mengkuang is not an easy process.
"First, the men foraged for the leaves in nearby forests. The women then removed the thorns and softened the leaves using a machine," he said.
The women then took the now pliable leaves, weaving them using a similar technique as they would to make a mat.
"Finally, the colouring process is done using the colours of the Jalur Gemilang," he said, adding that they spent about RM1,000 in total.
Mohd Nor said they planned on displaying the mengkuang flag at the village's community hall on Merdeka night.
"We are doing this to demonstrate our love for the country. We also wish to foster the spirit of patriotism among the village's younger generation," he said.
Mohd Nor said this was not the first large Jalur Gemilang crafted by the villagers, having previously used bamboo and other materials.