Ranging from small but symbolic acts such as attaching the Jalur Gemilang to one’s car to strenuous and extensive feats like participating in Merdeka marathons, everyone seems eager to show their love for the country.
It is not only adults who can show their patriotism however, as even young Malaysians are happy to join in the fun.
On Aug 27, the special needs students of Headstart Academy, Shah Alam decided to literally get their hands dirty when they set out to paint the Jalur Gemilang with their bare hands.
Organised by the learning centre, this activity was held as a means to show that these children, despite their various conditions, were more than capable of showing an unexpected degree of independence.
In the activity that also helped build their confidence in creativity and artistic skills, the students, whose ages ranged from two to seven years, had their hands coated with wet paint by their teachers.
They then applied the colours onto a blank flag, bringing to life the Jalur Gemilang with its distinct red, yellow and blue hues.
Surprisingly, for such light-hearted work, the children took to it with gusto, seemingly eager to completely cover the flag with their painted handprints.
Headstart Academy first opened its doors to special needs children in January this year with the intention to prepare these children for enrolment into the national education system.
The academy was founded by Khairul Ramly, who left his job in the oil and gas industry in an effort to improve the quality of life of his autistic son.
The curriculum at Headstart revolves around an Early Intervention Programme that ensures each child be given an extensive education tailored for their needs and capabilities.
With the aid of therapists and specially-trained staff, no child in Headstart is left behind as their needs are taken care of.
“These children are very capable and they are special in their own way,” said Charlene Fernandez, operations director of Headstart.
With the kind of innocent joy shown in such a simple activity as colouring the Jalur Gemilang, there was something decidedly heartwarming about seeing these special kids expressing their love for their home, their country.