Merang: Eleven fishing boats carrying about 60 participants sailed one kilometre along Sungai Merang here today, flying the Jalur Gemilang in a colourful show of solidarity ahead of Malaysia Day on Sept 16.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the boat convoy was organised by the Terengganu Information Department (JAPEN) and brought together personnel from several agencies, Saujana MADANI Community, and local fishermen to celebrate national unity and the spirit of Malaysia Day. Terengganu Information director Muhd Nor Aswadi Md Nor stated that the programme aimed to encourage participants to appreciate the peace and prosperity enjoyed by Malaysians following the country's development.
'The symbolism behind today's Sungai Merang Fishermen's Boat Convoy is for us to appreciate and enjoy the blessings and well-being in our country resulting from various development programmes implemented by the Government. The flying of the Jalur Gemilang symbolises togetherness and the sharing of a Malaysian identity,' he said after the 2026 National Day and Malaysia Day Celebration Programme of MADANI Community Saujana with Fishermen.
The programme was held in collaboration with the Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority, Malaysian Civil Defence Force, Royal Malaysia Police, Saujana MADANI Community Saujana, and local fishermen. Muhd Nor Aswadi noted that JAPEN had organised 96 Jiwa Komuniti MADANI programmes at 96 locations throughout Terengganu from Aug 17 to Sept 16 in conjunction with the National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations.
Meanwhile, he mentioned that Terengganu JAPEN hoped Budget 2027, to be tabled on Oct 9, would include measures to strengthen MADANI Communities nationwide. 'In Terengganu, we have about 960 MADANI Community members who assist Japen in communicating the Government's agenda and policies more effectively and comprehensively. We hope Budget 2027 will provide appropriate allocations to Japen so that we can continue efforts to empower the policies or agenda of the MADANI Government together,' he said.