Padi farmer ‘plants’ seeds of patriotism with 200 flags, murals
ALOR STAR: Padi farmer Mohd Salleh Md Lazim has no qualms about spending RM500 to buy and place some 200 Jalur Gemilang at his house in Kampung Pinang, Simpang Empat.
Salleh, 47, said he wanted to increase the National Day spirit among his family and residents.
However, he expressed his disappointment that some flags were stolen.
“If my flags are stolen, I have to fork out more money to buy new ones. But I refuse to let this dampen my enthusiasm in decorating my house with Jalur Gemilang.
“I don’t want to show off. It is the patriotism burning in my soul that inspires me to fly the flag to show gratitude to fighters who sacrificed a lot for the country,” he said at his home on Wednesday.
Apart from putting up the national flag, Salleh also drew the Jalur Gemilang, the Kedah flag and hibiscus, the national flower, on his home’s walls and ceiling.
“Last year, I drew the Jalur Gemilang on the ceiling and this year, I added hibiscus on the wall to make it more interesting.
“My family and I took turns to draw and paint (the flower). More than 90 per cent (of the mural) is completed and I am satisfied,” said the father of five.
After 11 years of decorating his house with Jalur Gemilang, Salleh hoped that his efforts would receive attention from corporate companies or government agencies to enable him to continue next year.
He said he had a lot of ideas to decorate his house, but was restricted financially.
“I am sure that road users plying the Alor StarSungai Petani route will be impressed by the flags in front of the house and canal.”
It is the patriotism burning in my soul that inspires me to fly the flag to show gratitude to fighters... MOHD SALLEH MD LAZIM
Padi farmer