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SANDAKAN: The inaugural 2024 edition of the Jalur Gemilang Merdeka Campaign (KMJG) organised by the Sabah Information Department (JaPen) came up with a unique way of navigating the ocean using boat transport to island areas in this district to deliver a message to enliven the National Day, Malaysia Day as well as Sabah Day celebrations.

Sabah Information Director (JaPen) and Head of the 2024 Jalur Gemilang Merdeka Adventure Convoy, Jainisah Mohd Noor, said that every year Japen would try to be different in implementing KMJG.

“We are very proud of the spirit of the maritime community in the island area we visited in Sandakan when residents put up flags on their homes in addition to fishing boats,” she said.

She added that through this KMGJ, the convoy group could be together with the residents and see the spirit shown by them through the waving of the glorious stripes.

“This is also one of our objectives to implement KMGJ throughout the state in further popularising the celebrations of National Day and Sabah Day simultaneously at the end of this month,” she said at a press conference when the KGMJ 2024 convoy arrived in Sandakan on Tuesday after Kinabatangan.

Some 18 boats from Malaysian Maritime, Joint Task Force 2 (ATB2), Royal Malaysian Navy, Sabah Forestry Department, Marine Police Force, Sabah Ports and Harbours Department, Welfare Department, Sabah Parks, Fisheries Department along with 20 fishing boats joined the convoy.

About 176 participants involving 54 employees of government agencies and government-related bodies as well as the private sector, 40 fishing communities and 82 other participants joined the convoy to two villages on the island.

Starting in Penampang and Putatan, 14 agencies joined the KMJG 2024 Sabah for 20 days with 60 stops throughout the state which will end in Kota Kinabalu.

In Sandakan, the convoy started at Wisma Persekutuan which was also the 37th stop moving to the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (APMM) Sandakan Maritime Zone, here, which was also the 38th stop on Tuesday.

Senator Anna Bell @ Suzieana Perian flagged the convoy.

Also present, Sabah State Maritime Director and Labuan Federal Territory, Maritime First Admiral, Datuk Che Engku Suhaimi Che Engku Daik, Sandakan Municipal Council President, Henry Idol, involved agencies, local leaders and communities, school students and others.

The KMJG in Sandakan has the cooperation of Japen’s strategic partner, The Sandakan Malayisan Maritime Zone which Jainisah greatly appreciated in order for a successful convoy which also went to two villages on Tanjung Aru and Berhala Island.

This is also a continuation of the programme and “Info on Boat” with the Maritime side in October last year in reaching out to the maritime community in the state.

Meanwhile, Anna Bell said the extraordinary programme of the celebration showed the spirit of the community, especially the people in the archipelago and the fishermen who were so excited to celebrate National Day and Sabah Day.

She said the programme is also capable of fostering the spirit of love for the country and remembering the previous struggle of leaders in achieving the independence enjoyed today.

Meanwhile, Che Engku Suhaimi said the Sandakan Zone Malaysian Maritime was also very excited as it was their first time to be involved in KMGJ.

He said the cooperation is also very welcome to continue in the future where the “Info On Wheel” programme with Japen last year was also one of the good programmes especially in approaching the surrounding communities.

At the ceremony in the two villages, donations from the Sabah Welfare Foundation such as life jackets for schools and fishing communities, rice donations from Japan from Bernas and safety buoys from the Maritime Department were also presented to the village head who is the representative of the recipients.

Earlier, Anna said by sticking to the theme “Malaysia Madani, Jiwa Merdeka” she invited the people to be determined to further strengthen the spirit of independence, to build a country that is not only physically free, but also independent in terms of thought, culture and economy.

While it is clear that Jalur Gemilang is not just a piece of cloth decorated with beautiful patterns and colours, it is also a symbol of national pride, unity and sovereignty.

“Respecting and understanding the governance of its use is important in expressing our love as Malaysians for the country by practising proper governance and show respect to the Jalur Gemilang, so that we can cultivate patriotic spirit and strengthen national identity,” she said.

“In fact, respecting the national flag is also a reflection of love and our pride in Malaysia, as well as our commitment to protect its dignity and sovereignty,” she added.