(From fourth left) Badieah, Hafizzul, Mohammad Izaham with guests waving the national flag while singing patriotic songs at the closing event. — Photos: LOW LAY PHON/The Star
More than 800 take part in school event to nurture Merdeka spirit
THE spirit of patriotism was obvious in Damansara Utama, Petaling Jaya as a group of more than 800 people including pupils marched through the streets singing patriotic songs.
SK Damansara Utama (SKDU) headmaster Mohammad Izaham Mohammad Noor said the Merdeka Walk was the “climax” of the school’s National Day celebration which lasted a month.
He also said the event aimed to nurture appreciation among young ones for the country’s independence.
“Many in the current generation lack knowledge about the true Merdeka spirit and the importance of independence.
“With the involvement of various stakeholders, this meaningful event can instil the spirit of patriotism among pupils,” he said.
SK Damansara Utama pupils carrying flags and banners during the Merdeka Day walk.
Representatives from SMK Damansara Utama, SK Taman Sea, KPJ Damansara Specialist Hospital, Damansara Utama Police Station, Damansara Fire and Rescue Station, Petaling Utama District Education Department and Kawasan Rukun Tetangga (KRT) Damansara Utama Zone C also took part in the walk.
SKDU pupils were seen wearing traditional costumes and carrying banners as well as decorated umbrellas throughout the 1.78km walk.
Izaham said pupils used props they had designed for previous National Day events.
“Throughout the celebration, we organised activities including folk song, Merdeka-themed umbrella decoration, poem contest and poster-drawing competitions,” he said.
“We reused these crafts for the walk to hype up the mood.”
Pupils dressed in colourful attire for the walk.
Also present were Selangor school improvement specialist coaches (SISC+ officer for social science) Badieah Mustakin, Damansara Utama police station officer-in-charge Inspector Hafizzul Mohd Noor and KRT Damansara Utama Zone C committee member Koh Shuo Ten.
Badieah said, “The children are our future and will be responsible for maintaining harmony.
“The walk is a fun and healthy activity for them to do so.”
Hafizzul said he was happy to see so many people participating in the event.
“Such events are necessary for the future generations to truly understand Merdeka.
The pupils walked 1.78km around the D’sara Utama neighbourhood.
“I hope that the harmonious relationship among people from different cultures can be maintained for our country to stay peaceful.”
Koh said she was impressed by the pupils’ colourful attire.
“I am glad to see multiracial elements reflected in their attire.
“Such events remind the pupils of special occasions like National and Malaysia Day when they are celebrating it together,” she said.
Pupils in baju melayu holding the Jalur Gemilang at the school grounds.
Koh said the walk also allowed pupils to interact with each other and get to know their neighbours.
“It is also a change from the normal schooling environment when they can have some fun.”
After the walk, everyone gathered at the school hall for the closing ceremony, which was launched by Hafizzul.
The pupils also sang patriotic songs, Jalur Gemilang, Tanggal 31 and Keranamu Malaysia while waving the national flag.
