Patriotic spirit on full display at PPR
Residents take advantage of MCO to make early National Day preparations
The movement control order (MCO) period proved to be a silver lining for a group of residents who took advantage of their free time to make preparations for the country’s 63rd National Day celebration.
The residents of Block 18 at the Desa Mutiara People’s Housing Project (PPR) began repainting, cleaning and renovating their five-storey flat in April and continued their efforts in the evenings after returning from work.
It was their maiden effort since moving into the 108-unit building in 2009.
They also started decking it with Jalur Gemilang flags, state flags and Johor district flags about two weeks ago, Block 18 assistant head Rohana Mohamed said in an interview.
“The MCO gave us ample time to be productive as the residents, who were usually busy with work and their families, had plenty of time to meet and discuss beautifying our block.
“The stay-at-home order actually strengthened our neighbourly ties as a community and large family.
“We also feel that this is what the Merdeka spirit is all about,” she added.
She said the theme for their collective effort was “Merdeka Bersamamu”, which also aimed to reflect the country’s united fight against Covid-19.
Rohana added that her block was the first to kick off the decorations, with other flats in the 22-block PPR soon following suit.
Resident Zamri Othman, 42, who works at a logistics firm, said the strong community spirit and patriotism shown by his neighbours compelled him to provide all the national and state flags used to decorate the flat.
“I think this also sets a good example for the younger generation that love for the country should always come first,” he said.
Zamri added that the residents also planned to put up more flags outside each window at the block over the next few days to further amp up the Merdeka spirit.