KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 9 (Bernama) -- A total of 3,000 vehicles nationwide received free Jalur Gemilang magnets today under the JAPEN@PETRONAS Jalur Gemilang Expression Programme, held simultaneously at 15 selected PETRONAS stations in conjunction with the National Month celebrations.
Organised by the Ministry of Communications through the Department of Information (JAPEN), the programme is part of efforts to intensify the 1 House 1 Jalur Gemilang (1R1JG) Campaign, with strategic cooperation established with PETRONAS this year.
Under this year's expanded programme, Jalur Gemilang magnets were distributed to the first 200 vehicles at each participating station, bringing the campaign to fly the national flag closer to the public's daily lives.
In KUALA LUMPUR, Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil attached a Jalur Gemilang magnet to a member of the public's vehicle at the New Pantai Expressway (NPE) Pantai Dalam PETRONAS Station as a symbol of support for the 1R1JG Campaign.
According to Fahmi, the use of Jalur Gemilang magnets is an improvement this year following public feedback for a method that can be attached and removed easily without being permanently affixed to vehicles.
Meanwhile, in KELANTAN, state JAPEN director Ahmad Ammar Othman said the magnets allow the Jalur Gemilang to be displayed neatly and safely on vehicles, making it easier for the public to express their patriotism on the road.
“We also held a handover of the Jalur Gemilang to federal and state government agencies, as well as the flag-off for the Kembara Merdeka Jalur Gemilang X JAGO convoy from Tumpat to Kota Bharu, which will conclude on Aug 14,” he said at the Chetok PETRONAS Station here today.
In NEGERI SEMBILAN, state JAPEN director Mohd Sabri Abdullah said the distribution aims to encourage the community to enliven National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations, while urging citizens not to wait until the last minute to fly the Jalur Gemilang.
“We will also intensify various ground and community programmes to raise patriotic spirit and public awareness on flying the Jalur Gemilang, including through the Jiwa@Komuniti MADANI programme,” he said.
In PENANG, a survey at the southbound Sungai Dua PETRONAS Station found that most recipients were excited to receive the magnets distributed from 10.30 am, describing the initiative as a welcome change from previous flag distributions and expressing hope that it would continue in the future.
State JAPEN director Hasmiza Hussin said 14 staff members were involved in the programme, while efforts to enliven the celebrations would continue through collaboration with the state government and local communities, including flag distribution in several selected areas.
In TERENGGANU, private sector employee Puteri Izzatul Khaisara Che Hasnul, 34, suggested that JAPEN increase independence-themed programmes and activities, particularly in rural areas, to foster nationalism among the public.
“Programmes like this should be held all the time, not just seasonally. Independence celebrations are no longer as lively as before. Flying the Jalur Gemilang at homes and shop lots has also decreased. JAPEN's efforts are good, but they need to be strengthened,” she said.
Meanwhile, in SARAWAK, state JAPEN director Sabri Said urged the public to ensure that the Jalur Gemilang is displayed according to the correct protocol to prevent errors such as mounting it upside down.
He added that besides ensuring the symbols, colours and emblems of the Jalur Gemilang are correctly displayed, the public should exercise caution when using artificial intelligence (AI) so that generated flag images do not violate established guidelines.
In PERLIS, the programme at the Behor Temak PETRONAS Station in Kangar received a warm response, with members of the public seizing the opportunity to obtain Jalur Gemilang magnets for their vehicles.
State JAPEN director Aidatul Shima Che Hassan said the programme supports the nationhood agenda while broadening the reach of patriotic messaging and national pride among the community.
Similar programmes were also held in KEDAH and PERAK, with the Jalur Gemilang continuing to serve as a symbol of unity and patriotism during the National Month celebrations.
-- BERNAMA