Pos hau: The distance of more than 80 kilometres from the city is no barrier for the Orang Asli community of Kampung Redip in Pos Hau here to feel the spirit of the 68th National Day as their village itself is proudly adorned with the fluttering Jalur Gemilang.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Jumaat Arom, chairman of the Orang Asli Village Security Development Committee (JPKKOA), said comes every August, the villagers join hands to brighten up their neighbourhood with the national flag. He said this effort involves all ages of the indigenous people, apart from beautifying the village.

“We also want to educate the younger generation of the Temiar tribe to appreciate their proud national day, even though we live deep in the interior. The flag-raising of the Jalur Gemilang is part of the early celebrations leading up to the climax on the night of Aug 30, which is usually celebrated on a grand scale with communal feasts for the people and a fireworks display,” he said in Kampung Redip here, today.

Meanwhile, Kemas Community educator Suzi Semai, 31, said the residents also banded together to raise funds of almost RM500 to buy the Jalur Gemilang in addition to finding bamboo in the forest to be strung up as decoration throughout the village. “The Jalur Gemilang decorations are not only along the village roads, but also adorn homes, community halls and Kemas Nursery (preschools). Every year leading up to August 31, we also organise children’s choir competitions, adult karaoke and various sports activities themed around the National Day,” he said.