(From right) Mohd Fahmi, Muhammad Rasyaik and other Elmina Green 3 residents in Shah Alam helping a neighbour to decorate her house for National Day. — Photos: AZHAR MAHFOF and CY LEE/The Star
AS the country celebrates National Day today, some neighbourhoods’ unity and patriotism are an inspiration.
They include the community of Elmina Green 3 (EG3) in Shah Alam, Selangor, which has created a vibrant expression of national pride despite being just a year old.
The residential area’s lanes have been transformed into a lively celebration of independence, with residents connecting in ways that go beyond merely putting up the national flag.
What began as a simple act of displaying the Jalur Gemilang has grown into a friendly competition among neighbours.
With 412 homes and 10 lanes, EG3 has embraced the spirit of competition, with residents vying for the title of best decorated lane.
Each lane has taken on a unique identity, tied together by the Jalur Gemilang and shaped by the creativity and dedication of residents.
This year marks their most ambitious National Day celebration yet under the guidance of their residents’ association (EG3RA) that was formed in 2023.
Over the past weeks, children, parents and even grandparents have collaborated to transform their streets into vibrant tributes to the nation.
Each lane has a designated leader to coordinate efforts, with residents putting in hours on weeknights and weekends.
EG3 residents sprucing up their neighbourhood in preparation for National Day. Residents are also competing to win a plaque for best decorated lane.
Event organiser Muhammad Rasyaik Murad said the support from residents had been overwhelming.
He said neighbours pooled their resources to purchase flags, poles and other decorations, with each household contributing between RM30 and RM50.
“Residents have come together despite challenges such as the unpredictable weather and busy work schedules,” he said, adding that those unable to decorate their homes gave permission for their neighbours to help.
“The event is more ambitious than our earlier Merdeka and New Year celebrations, which featured a potluck and fireworks,” said Muhammad Rasyaik.
“Over the past month, the neighbourhood has been buzzing with activity.
“And thanks to the strong support and generosity from the community, we have a host of activities planned for the celebration,” he added.
Today, as Malaysians across the country celebrate, EG3 will host a full day of activities, including a march, potluck, fireworks, games and movie screening.
About RM5,000 will be spent on the weekend’s festivities.
EG3RA chairman Mohd Fahmi Abdul Hamid said the competition had successfully united residents.
“It has strengthened the spirit of neighbourliness and fostered a sense of pride as a community,” he said.
“The activities have not only provided a platform for residents to interact but also nurtured cooperation and unity.
“The feedback from residents has been very positive.
“Many appreciate this effort because it inspires patriotism and strengthens our bonds as everyone gets to participate.”
Based on the success of this initiative, Mohd Fahmi said the RA committee planned to make it an annual tradition.
“We believe that with continued support from residents, National Day will become an eagerly anticipated event every year,” he added.
EG3 resident Christina Vanugopal said the competition had brought the community closer.
“Working together on the decorations has really strengthened our bonds.
“Each evening, we gather to chat and ‘lepak’ while helping each other out,” she said.
Christina described how neighbours cooperated by climbing ladders to hang the Jalur Gemilang and going house to house to ensure every home was part of the celebration.
“This is the first time I have experienced such a strong community spirit.
“In the previous places I have lived at, we never had anything like this,” she said.
Another resident, who wanted to be known only as Ooi, echoed the sentiment.
“The spirit of Merdeka among the community is really strong.
“It is the first time I have experienced something like this.
“I assist when I can, but the neighbours are very helpful and volunteered to do it for us,” she added.
As the deadline for judging approached, the intensity increased, with residents spending their evenings after work sprucing up their lanes.
Judging will be carried out by six RA committee members who will evaluate each lane’s decorations based on creativity, teamwork and how well they capture the spirit of National Day.
Those who worked on the winning lane will receive a plaque for their collective effort.
But as Muhammad Rasyaik and others in EG3 emphasised, the real victory isn’t in the competition.
It is in the neighbourly bonds, sense of belonging and pride each resident feels.
