
Kota Kinabalu: The State-level Kembara Merdeka Keluarga Malaysia (KMKM) 2022 convoy was recently launched in conjunction with the National Month celebrations.
The State-level KMKM 2022 convoy was led across the State by the Sabah Information Department under the leadership of its Sabah Director Nadzerah Abdullah.
Papar is the first out of 43 stops in Sabah’s 10-day Keluarga Malaysia Merdeka Convoy programme, starting Aug 9, with 18 vehicles from 12 departments and agencies participating.
The departments and agencies involved include the Department of Information; Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM); the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama); the Royal Malaysia Police; the Malaysia Civil Defence Force and the Sabah Ministry of Local Government and Housing.
‘Keluarga Malaysia’ Community Group and 100 students of Kelab Malaysiaku of SMK St Francis Xavier, Keningau hitting the gongs as part of their performance during arrival of the convoy at Keningau.
In PAPAR, Papar District Officer Hadzlan Jablee said that members of the public should play a role in celebrating National Month and National Day.
He said they should stop thinking that the responsibility of enlivening the National Month celebration rests solely on the shoulders of government departments and agencies.
He urged the public is advised not to expect free Jalur Gemilang to fly the national flag, particularly at their premises, in conjunction with the National Month celebration.
“We also need to be more aware of the Jalur Gemilang we are flying on our premises so that it is not worn out or torn. If it is, replace it with a new one or ask the owners of the premises to do so.
“Let’s not take it lightly when it comes to maintaining the image and identity of the country and let us preserve our unity as Keluarga Malaysia,” he said when launching the KMKM 2022 convoy in Papar.
Nadzerah (left) and Sindumin assemblyman Datuk Dr Yusof Yaakub (third left) witnessing Sipitang district officer Awangku Raimy Pg Abdul Rahman signing the visitors’ book of the convoy.
Meanwhile, Kampung Andus Village Chief, Mohammad Majid, 68, said that the true meaning of independence is not only about the date of Aug 31, but also about freeing oneself from something negative and fostering a spirit of love for the country, and the Jalur Gemilang also encapsulates independence.
“My advice to young people is to free yourself, stay away from negativity, if you still have bad attitudes you are not free yet. Free yourself first then we can free others around us,” he said.
A history teacher at SMK Majakir here, Noneh Ahmad, 50, said that the previous generation fought to free the country from colonial rule; and today’s generation also play a role in liberating themselves from the colonialism of the mind. Darwina recited a poem entitled ‘Peristiwa Tidak Berdarah’ when the convoy stopped at Beaufort.
Meanwhile, BEAUFORT, was the second stop for the State-level KMKM 2022 convoy with the recitation of independence poems filling the air to welcome the arrival of the convoy to the district. Recitation of a poem titled “Peristwa Tidak Berdarah” was delivered by SMK Gadong student Darwina Khairunnisa Maidin.
The arrival of the convoy was welcomed by the Assistant Minister of Local Government and Housing, Datuk Isnin Aliasnih at the Beaufort District Office grounds.
Isnin said the KMKM 2022 convoy is the best platform to cultivate the spirit of patriotism among the community.
He said through the program organised by the Malaysia Information Department, the effort put on display by the convoy participants will indirectly inspire people of various races to participate in flying the Jalur Gemilang as a sign of love for the country.
“The effort to fly the Jalur Gemilang is not only limited to the celebration of the National Month but it should be flown at all times,” he said.
He added, with the age of independence now entering its 65th year, the celebration should be expressed better through various platforms in line with current needs.
“To the participants of the convoy, take pictures when you are in each district so that what we have accomplished so far can be seen by the community outside,” he said.
Isnin, who is also Klias Assemblyman, also presented the Jalur Gemilang to representatives of State and Federal government agencies and signed the KMKM 2022 convoy visitors’ book. Several pupils of Year 6 SK Saga-Saga, Membakut showing Silat martial art to the convoy that stops at Membakut.
Also present were District Officer, Mohd Nazri Ajun, Lumadan Community Development Leader, Dioslin Agustine, Beaufort District Traffic Chief, ASP Sabaruddin Makurade and District Information Officer, Awang Muil Awang Raya.
The convoy proceeded to SMK Weston and Pekan Sipitang.
Meanwhile, batik fabric made into a sash coloured the celebration to welcome the arrival of the KMKM 2022 convoy to SMK Weston.
SMK Weston Principal Awang Besar Suran led the welcoming group comprising more than 200 students, some of whom were dressed in traditional attire in remembrance of what the community wore to celebrate independence in the past.
Apart from that, the convoy participants were also entertained with a martial arts performance by the school’s Form Six student, Mohd Ikhwan Haizam.
In the brief ceremony, Sabah Information Director, Nadzerah Abdullah presented the Jalur Gemilang and souvenirs to Awang Besar, followed by the signing of the KMKM 2022 convoy visitors’ book as a symbolic inauguration.
Also present were Weston SMK Weston Senior Assistant I, Anuar Ibrahim and Student Affairs Senior Assistant, Siti Zainab Saidin. In SIPITANG, Sipitang District Officer Awangku Raimy Pg Abdul Rahman has called on the community to be grateful for the blessings of independence enjoyed so far.
Awangku Raimy, who represented Federal Deputy Finance Minister II Yamani Hafez Musa, at the KMKM 2022 convoy welcoming event at Pekan Sipitang Multipurpose Hall said independence allows all levels of society to live more comfortably, harmoniously and prosperously.
“Unity between races and ethnicities is a blessing that is very precious and very valuable especially in this State which has various races and ethnicities.
“Therefore, it needs to be preserved, instilled and nurtured in every human being so that Malaysia’s independence is upheld at all times even if our body, life and dignity are at stake.
“I call on those present to fly the Jalur Gemilang at their respective premises, whether in their offices, homes, stalls, or their vehicles to show the spirit of gratitude as Malaysians,” he said.
At the event, Awangku Raimy also signed the KMKM 2022 convoy visitors’ book and presented the Jalur Gemilang to community leaders and the Komuniti Keluarga Malaysia in Sipitang. The KMKM 2022 convoy which is in this district for the second day of its journey, also distributed the Jalur Gemilang to public vehicles along Jalan Esplanade Sipitang.
Also present were Sindumin Assemblyman, Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob, Sipitang District Officer Daut Kassim and Sipitang District Information Officer, Awangku Shoffian Pengiran Minggu. Some female students of SMK Weston in ‘Baju Kurung’ dresses showing several ways of wearing the batik sarong.
In KIMANIS, total of 200 SMK Kimanis students welcomed the arrival of the KMKM 2022 convoy.
The arrival of 25 convoy vehicles at the grounds of SMK Kimanis led by Sabah Information Director Nadzerah Abdullah was welcomed by the Bongawan Community Development Leader, Yusoff Minin and the Principal of SMK Kimanis, Datin Masniah Tarah.
At the event, Yusoff also signed the State-level KMKM 2022 convoy visitors book before the convoy continued its journey to SK Saga-Saga in Membakut.
The ceremony was also attended by Sabah Information Department (Management and Financial Services Division) Chief Assistant Director Nur Diyana Ujit and Secretariat Unit Ahmad Fauzi Lamsin.
Meanwhile in MEMBAKUT, the arrival of the State-level KMKM 2022 was welcomed with a martial arts performance. The performance was made possible by six Primary Six pupils from SK Saga-Saga who were accompanied by kulintangan music from the Komuniti Keluarga Malaysia.
The arrival of the KMKM 2022 convoy consisting of 50 participants from 10 Federal and State agencies was welcomed by SK Saga-Saga Principal Sulaiman Ahmad.
At the brief ceremony, Sabah Information Department Director Nadzerah Abdullah, as the leader of the convoy, signed the tour book before handing over the Jalur Gemilang to Sulaiman, who represented the school’s pupils.
The ceremony was also attended by Beaufort District Information Officer Awang Muil Awang Raya.
In TENOM, Tenom District Officer Mas Shazwan Masood said the community needs to be aware of the physical condition of the Jalur Gemilang.
According to him, the Jalur Gemilang that is worn out should be replaced immediately so that its identity remains superior and glorious.
“Let us together apply a caring mentality in order to always be sensitive in preserving the Jalur Gemilang as a symbol of national identity.
“Therefore, do not take for granted the matter of maintaining the identity and image of the country, he said during his opening remarks in conjunction with the State-level KMKM 2022 convoy flag-off at the Dewan Datuk Seri Panglima Antanom in Tenom.
At the event, Mas Shazwan also distributed the Jalur Gemilang to several business premises around Pekan Tenom.
The event was also attended by Sabah Information Director Nadzerah Abdullah, the Assistant Sub-District Officer of Kemabong, Zakaria Jamal and the District Police Chief DSP Hassan Majid.
Meanwhile, in TAMBUNAN, the State-level KMKM 2022 convoy entered its third day of tour with several stops in district.
The convoy led by Sabah Information Director, Nadzerah Abdullah stopped at SMK Nambayan and SMK Tambunan.
The convoy was welcomed by the school principals, Sofrie Anuar and Yusuf Rosli @ Joseph Rusak.
Getting schools involved is one of the efforts to boost the spirit of independence among the young generation.
The KMKM 2022 convoy then proceeded to Pisompuruan Square before making a stop at Kampung Merampong’s Komuniti Keluarga Malaysia in Keningau before calling it a night at Pekan Keningau.
In KENINGAU, the performance of Murut Nabai gong livens up the KMKM 2022 convoy’s flag-off at the Padang Bandaran Keningau.
The gong performance was by the Kumpulan Kebudayaan Komuniti Keluarga Malaysia Kampung Masak led by Enson Aris. The arrival of the convoy was also graced by the presence of about 100 students from Kelab Malaysiaku SMK St Francis Xavier Keningau.
Meanwhile, the flag-off was done by Sabah Youth and Sports Minister cum Sook Assemblyman Datuk Ellron Angin.
The convoy proceeded to travel 350 kilometres covering Keningau, Sook, Nabawan, Kalabakan before calling it a night at Tawau.
Also present, Assistant Minister of Public Works, Datuk Robert Tawik @Nordin; Assistant Minister of Community Development and People’s Welfare, Flovia Ng; Liawan Assemblyman, Datuk Annuar Ayub Aman; Sabah Information Director, Nadzerah Abdullah and Keningau District Information Officer, Awang Mamun Awang Saman.
In NABAWAN, Federal Deputy Minister of Public Works, Datuk Arthur Kurup called on the community to appreciate the sacrifices of the nation’s fighters by preserving the blessings of freedom enjoyed today.
He said the blessing of independence should be protected because it is not easy to obtain. “Through it, the current generation can experience peace and prosperity from various aspects, especially health and education.
“Therefore, preserve it so that this blessing can be passed on to future generations,” he said when welcoming the KMKM 2022 convoy at the Dewan Terbuka Nabawan.
At the event, he signed the KMKM 2022 convoy visitors book Visit Book as the convoy continued its journey to Tawau.
Also present, District Officer, Nilden Gimbang; Keningau District Police Chief, DSP Nor Rafidah Kasim and District Information Officer, Sam Mansibu.
Earlier, Arthur and his wife, Datin Stella Boklin also welcomed the arrival of the convoy together with SMK Sook Principal, Pancratius Primus and about 1,000 students from the school.
At the ceremony, Arthur and the convoy participants were entertained with a sumazau cultural dance performance by SMK Sook Dance Club led by teacher, Sarizan Nuid.
In KUALA PENYU, Sabah’s Assistant Minister of Public Works Datuk Limus Jury calls on all walks of life to fly the Jalur Gemilang in conjunction with the national month celebration.
According to Limus, the effort to boost the spirit of patriotism does not only rest on the shoulders of government agencies but the community should also take the same role. “Flying the Jalur Gemilang can express our love and gratitude for the prosperity and peace that we have achieved all this time.
“Each individual has a role to play in flying the Jalur Gemilang during the national month celebration which is celebrated throughout the month of August to September,” he said when officiating the State-level KMKM 2022 convoy flag-off at the Kuala Penyu District Office compound.
At the ceremony, Limus who is also Kuala Penyu assemblyman also expressed his gratitude to the Department of Information for their tireless efforts in organizing the Kibarkan Jalur Gemilang Campaign and National Month Celebration at State-level every year.
He added that the noble effort should be continued to fuel the love for the country, especially in the young generation.
The ceremony was attended by Kuala Penyu District Officer, Sebastian Ingkim, Kuala Penyu District Council Executive Officer, John Genchit and Menumbuk Sub-district Assistant Officer, Abd Karim Zahari. Meanwhile to further enliven the National Month celebration, 50 Jalur Gemilang were distributed to several business premises around Kuala Penyu Town.
The distribution was led by Limus accompanied by the KMKM 2022 convoy leader Nadzerah and Sebastian.
A convoy of 30 vehicles that departed from Padang Pekan Papar at 10.15am arrived the district after distributing flags at SMK Bongawan II and SK Saga-Saga Membakut, thus completing its 120 km journey on the first day in the lower region of Sabah’s interior.
The convoy also travelled to the Beaufort and Sipitang districts for the same purpose targeting the Beaufort District Office, SMK Weston, Esplanade Pekan Sipitang and the Malaysian Family Community (KKM) Kampung Malamam as stopover locations.
Sources: Malaysia Information Department (JaPen Sabah) Bernama - Public urged not to wait for free flag to fly Jalur Gemilang https://www.bernama.com/v2/en/region/news.php?id=2109187
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