LABUAN — A total of 576 pupils of Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Tanjung Aru here took part in the Jalur Gemilang Flag-Flying Programme and National Month Launch recently, aimed at fostering patriotism and love for the country.
The programme was supported by the school’s Parent-Teacher Association (PIBG) and School Liaison Officers (PPS) from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), who joined the school community in promoting patriotic spirit and national pride.
The official theme for the 2026 National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations is “Malaysia MADANI: Kesejahteraan Dinikmati”, reflecting the Government’s commitment to building a progressive, inclusive and harmonious nation where prosperity is shared fairly among the people.
The Jalur Gemilang Flag-Flying Programme was aimed at instilling patriotism, strengthening racial unity and expressing appreciation for the country’s sovereignty in conjunction with National Month celebrations.
The National Month Launch, meanwhile, sought to nurture and strengthen patriotic spirit and love for the country among the school community, while encouraging appreciation for the sacrifices of the nation’s independence fighters.
Among the activities held was the presentation of Jalur Gemilang flags to the school’s uniformed bodies to be flown at the school together with their teacher advisers, pupils and parents.
The uniformed bodies involved were the Scouts, Tunas Kadet Remaja Sekolah (TKRS), Pergerakan Puteri Islam Malaysia (PPIM), Malaysian Red Crescent Society (PBSMM) and Tunas Puteri Pandu Puteri.
The launch also featured a video screening on independence, a launch gimmick, as well as a procession carrying the Jalur Gemilang and the flags of the 12 states of Malaysia by SK Tanjung Aru athletes.
Jalur Gemilang flags were also handed over to all classes to be displayed throughout the National Month celebrations.
The programme was further enlivened by the school community singing “Tanggal 31 Ogos” and other patriotic songs performed by Primary Five Sains pupil Nur Azzalea Damia Mohd Hasrul and Primary Six Elit pupil Khaleel Yahya Mohd Nadzrie.
The programme was officiated by SK Tanjung Aru headmaster Mohd Farihi Ab Halim, who called on pupils to remember history and appreciate the sacrifices of those who fought to defend the country against colonialism.
He said independence was not merely freedom from physical colonisation, but also encompassed freedom of thought, the development of good character and the responsibility to safeguard national harmony.
“Pupils must study diligently, observe good manners and discipline, and always remain committed to their religion, race and country,” he said.
Mohd Farihi also expressed his appreciation to School Liaison Officers ASP Rahmat Muda and Sergeant Noel Mojunting from the Labuan District Police Headquarters, as well as the PIBG, for their continuous support in helping the school organise various programmes.
He said the close cooperation between the school, PIBG and PPS was in line with Thrust Five of the Malaysia Education Plan (RPM) 2026-2035, which focuses on strengthening synergies and collaboration with parents and the community, including School Liaison Officers from PDRM.
The school also launched the School Anti-Bullying For Empowerment (SAFE) programme during the event as part of efforts to strengthen a safe, harmonious and bullying-free school culture.
The SAFE programme aims to curb bullying, promote a safe and harmonious school environment and foster mutual respect among members of the school community for their collective well-being.
In line with efforts to develop a caring school, the programme also promotes the 6S practices — Senyum (smile), Salam (greeting), Sapa (acknowledgement), Sopan (politeness), Santun (courtesy) and Sayang (care).
The six elements are expected to foster a school culture centred on empathy, care, mutual respect and positive character development among pupils.
The school hopes that cooperation among the PIBG, School Liaison Officers, teachers, parents and pupils will continue to be strengthened to create a safe, caring and harmonious school environment free from bullying.
