IPOH, Over 600 students, their parents, and community members took part in the parade in conjunction with the Merdeka eve celebrations today hosted by Sekolah Kebangsan (SK) Sri Kinta, dressed in traditional attire such as songket, baju Melayu, saree, Iban costume and cheongsam.

SK Sri Kinta headmistress Azizah Salleh said the parade was held for the first time last year and the participants’ traditional costumes and singing of patriotic songs sparked the interest of the community.

‘So, this year we involved the community with the support and participation of the Parent-Teacher Association (PIBG), the Neighbourhood Watch Committee (KRT), the secretariat under the Housing and Local Government Ministry, and the Kepayang C MADANI Community under the Kinta Information Department,’ she told Bernama today.

She said support from the relevant parties enlivened the celebration and enhanced participants’ appreciation of the nation’s independence in line with this year’s National Day theme, ‘Malaysia MADANI: Jiwa Me
rdeka.’

‘The goal of this programme is to instill a spirit of patriotism, cultivate a love for the country and appreciation of the values enshrined in the Rukun Negara so that as the students grow up and become professionals, their deep love for our country will remain,’ she added.

Meanwhile, Jalan Arby KRT chairman Ahmad Hiszam Hairudin, 55, said the event provided the community members the opportunity to be involved in a parade held in conjunction with the National Day celebration, adding that the activity may become an annual event in the area.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency