12/08/2025

TUESDAY | AUG 12, 2025

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Raising the spirit of patriotism

KUALA LUMPUR: August is a month that oozes with the spirit of patriotism, where citizens are encouraged to decorate their homes, offices and vehicles with the Jalur Gemilang as a sign of love for the country. With 21 days left until the National Day 2025 celebration, people across the country have already started flying the Jalur Gemilang , the national symbol. A Bernama survey in Kampung Baru, located in the heart of the capital, and at Perumahan Awam Sri Perak, Sentul, found that residents have installed the Jalur Gemilang at their homes to join in the National Month celebration. Moving on to Dataran Merdeka, the atmosphere of the National Day celebration is already palpable, as the area is filled with Jalur Gemilang decorations and various patriotic themed displays. In Malacca, the Jalur Gemilang has started to fly along main roads like Jalan Hang Tuah, Jalan Tun Sri Lanang, Jalan Bendahara and Jalan o Many Malaysians display flags at homes, business premises, vehicles ahead of National Day celebration

youths from his village. Ahead of the 2025 National Day celebrations, which mark Malaysia’s 68th year of independence, Helmi Naim said the nation’s prosperity has brought well-being to all levels of society, including the Orang Asli, not only in education but also in the field of entrepreneurship. He added that the welfare of the Orang Asli in the state has never been neglected, as the government remains attentive and ensures that infrastructure development is carried out to facilitate the community’s daily activities. “Our village is pleasant and well equipped with basic amenities such as a kindergarten, clean piped water, a surau , grocery shops and well-paved roads. The nation’s Independence has enabled us to progress,” he said. being felt in Kuantan, Pahang, where the Jalur Gemilang and the Pahang flag are proudly flying along main roads, at business premises and on government administration buildings in anticipation of the celebration. The Kuantan City Council has also launched the Jalur Gemilang and Pahang state Flag-Hoisting Programme starting from July 25 to Sept 16 to encourage participation of residents. Retired government official Sallehuddin Yaakob Rahman, 62, said he intends to install the Jalur Gemilang at his home. He will replace his worn-out flag with a new one before National Day on Aug 31. In Kedah, the patriotic “war” of the Jalur Gemilang can also be felt as premises and residential homes in the areas around Kota Setar, Pendang and Yan districts have begun installing flags. Tan Chin Eng, 62, from Yan, said he usually installs the flag every time the national month arrives. Civil servant Nur Syahirah Azlan, 34, from Kota Setar said she had already installed three Jalur Gemilang in front of her house. “Every year, my husband and I install the flags, and they stay flying until Malaysia Day.” Themed “Malaysia Madani: A Compassionate Nation”, the National Day celebration on Aug 31 will be held at Dataran Putrajaya, while the Malaysia Day celebration will take place on Sept 16 in Penang.

People across the country are installing the Jalur Gemilang at their homes in the spirit of patriotism and for the love of the country. – BERNAMAPIC

Laksamana, thanks to initiatives from local authorities. Several hotels, private hospitals and tourist locations have also joined the effort to liven up

the National Month celebration, while fewer flags were seen at most residential areas and business premises. The patriotic atmosphere is also increasingly

Orang Asli entrepreneur crafts successful business in wood carving REMBAU: Efforts to preserve the cultural heritage of the Orang Asli by creating wooden craft have paid off for entrepreneur Helmi Naim Ahmad, 30, from the Temuan tribe. “I once made a profit of RM500,000 when all the items I carved were sold. It was a joyous moment and I became more motivated to produce new items,” he told Bernama here recently. Youth Icon award and Perdana Youth Icon award (Youth and Sports Ministry), as well as the Successful Entrepreneur Icon award from the Orang Asli Development Department and the Rural and Regional Development Ministry in 2016.

Helmi Naim is a living testament to the power of perfected skill and perseverance, which can lead one to success and contribute to the nation, regardless of one’s ethnicity or origins. His story began in 2010. Helmi Naim started creating and selling craft items from wood, including sculptures, miniature waterfalls, decorative ship models, spinning tops, ladles, blowpipes, tables and chairs. Three years later, he founded a company Abo Temuan Craft. “At first, I did it as a hobby, creating carvings and handicraft using discarded wood. However, due to encouraging response, I began making larger items, such as wooden tables and chairs.

The father of one, who hails from Kampung Asli Ulu Chembong, attributed the success to his willingness to experiment and step out of his comfort zone. Helmi Naim has also put Malaysia on the map internationally with his products, which were selected for exhibitions in Italy and Germany. He has received various accolades, including the Orang Asli Entrepreneur award for four consecutive years since 2016. He was also honoured with the Orang Asli Icon award from the Malaysian Islamic Development Department in 2017, Orang Asli

Helmi Naim said craft entrepreneurs must understand that product diversity is essential and should not be limited to just one type, stressing that it is crucial to be attuned to broader market demands, such as carvings of traditional game pieces, which continue to be popular, particularly as souvenirs or gifts. “For example, wooden chairs and tables have seen less demand, so we bounced back by creating new products such as wooden spinning tops, which continue to enjoy steady demand,” he said, adding that he employs three Orang Asli