Kuala lumpur: The atmosphere at Kuala Krai Market was different today when nearly 30 traders donned attire featuring the colours of the Jalur Gemilang, while patriotic songs rang out to enliven the National Day celebrations.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the traders were not merely doing business as usual but took the opportunity to foster the spirit of love for the country by turning the market into a location to nurture patriotism among the community.
The red, white, blue and yellow colours of the Jalur Gemilang clearly brightened the market space, while the traders' unique appearance also attracted the attention of visitors who came to purchase their daily necessities.
Fish trader Mohd Redzuan Elias, 43, said the initiative undertaken proved that the spirit of patriotism could be fostered anywhere, including at daily gathering places for the community such as public markets. "This year marks the sixth time we have celebrated National Day at the market by putting up the Jalur Gemilang and wearing clothes themed in the colours of the flag. Patriotic songs such as Bahtera Merdeka, Sejahtera Malaysia and Keranamu Malaysia were also played at this market to boost the spirit of us and the visitors who came," he said when met by Bernama here today.
Grocery trader Noraini Mamat, 62, said the atmosphere not only brightened the surroundings of the market but could bring visitors closer to also appreciate the meaning of independence. "When National Day comes, many visitors will come to the market with their families because it is a public holiday, so we traders take this opportunity by providing a unique attraction for them," said the trader who has been doing business at the market for almost 15 years.
Vegetable trader Ah Lin, 63, hoped more traders at other public markets would do the same to provide a special experience and allow the community to experience the National Day celebrations more closely. Visitor Rosidah Mat Shah, 60, said the spirit of togetherness displayed by the traders at the market in conjunction with the National Day celebrations clearly demonstrated a symbol of love for the country.