Sabah 2019 Kembara Merdeka Jalur Gemilang convoy on Aug 20-29

KOTA KINABALU, July 23 (Bernama) -- The Sabah Information Department will hold the state-level Kembara Merdeka Jalur Gemilang 2019 convoy is scheduled to take place from Aug 20 to 29 touring all the 25 districts in the state covering over 1,000 kilometres.

Its deputy director Yunus Saprin said, 10 four-wheel drive vehicles with 25 participants from various departments and agencies under the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia, were expected to participate in the department’s annual programme which would also be enlivened by the participation of motor clubs, associations and non-governmental organisations at each stop.

Yunus said the kembara programme themed ‘Sayangi Malaysiaku: Malaysia Bersih’ was aimed at enlivening the celebration of the independence month this year by nurturing and strengthening the spirit of love and patriotism among the people for the country.

“It also aims to bring the people of Sabah to jointly embrace the spirit of Rukun Negara which is the cornerstone of unity amongst the people, thereby enlivening the mood to fly the Jalur Gemilang in conjunction with the 62nd National Day celebrations on Aug 31,” he told Bernama after chairing the first meeting for the organisation of the kembara programme, today.

Yunus said various interesting events will be held throughout the roadshow including merdeka@komuniti, merdeka exhibition, merdeka run and performances by Pentarama artistes.

Meanwhile, Yunus said the department would also like to encourage more young people to participate in such government programmes to provide early exposure and understanding of government policies in addition to raising awareness especially among the younger generation on their responsibility to love the country.

The effort was timely as the age limit for eligibility to vote in Malaysia has been lowered to 18 years, he said.

Meanwhile, Yunus said the department was also organising a cheerful event in conjunction with the national month this year and participation was opened to the public from July 1 to 31st  while the competition begins from Aug 1 to Sept 16.

There are nine contesting categories, namely government buildings, private buildings, villages, housing estates, public and private institutions of higher learning, secondary schools, primary schools and individuals, with various attractive prizes awaiting winners including cash and certificates.

For more information, those interested can contact the nearest Information Department. The entry forms can be obtained through the website www.penerangan.gov.my.

-- BERNAMA