PETALING JAYA: In the spirit of National Day and Malaysia Day, 34 rest and service (R&R) stops along PLUS highways will be decked out in Merdeka-themed decorations.
PLUS managing director Datuk Nik Airina Nik Jaffar said this is in conjunction with a decorating competition for the rest stops in conjunction with this year's celebrations.
“This is to spark patriotism and strengthen unity in line with the Malaysia Madani concept among highway users," she said in a statement on Wednesday (Aug 30).
She added that as many as 34 R&Rs, including lay-bys and restaurants along the PLUS Highway and East Coast Highway 2 (LPT2) will be taking part in the competition, which was first held in 2002.
In this competition participating R&Rs will be decorating their premises with recycled materials along a Merdeka theme.
The competition will continue until Malaysia Day on Sept 16.
Nik Airina said the winner stands to bag up to RM10,000 in cash with the first and second runners-up taking home RM8,000 and RM6,000 respectively.
The fourth- and fifth-placed stops will get RM5,000 and RM4,000 respectively while RM2,000 awaits a jury special award winner.
“Highway users can not only take a break at our stops but also feel the enthusiasm for National Month celebrations,” Nik Airina added.
The PLUS headquarters, meanwhile, will hoist a 12.2m by 13.4m (40ft by 80ft) Jalur Gemilang as well.
Several PLUS toll plazas will also be decorated with the Jalur Gemilang.
PLUS will also be organising a photo contest, where social media users can upload photos of themselves with a Jalur Gemilang or Merdeka-themed decorations at safe locations along the PLUS or LPT2 highways, accompanied with a creative caption, to vie for prizes.
“We hope the National Month celebrations will spur unity and promote patriotism among Malaysians.
“It’s not just about celebrating independence or Malaysia Day but also a chance for the people to show their pride in being Anak Malaysia,” Nik Airina added.
