Pandak akhat: The stalls at Pandak Akhat Night Market have taken on a more vibrant look, with the Jalur Gemilang decorating the trading area as the spirit of the National Month celebrations gathers momentum among traders and visitors.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the initiative, organised by the Perak Perkasa Malay Hawkers and Small Traders Association (PPKMP), saw about 200 night market traders receive Jalur Gemilang. PPKMP president Alfirza Munira Abdul Muin said the association also handed out aprons to traders alongside the Jalur Gemilang flags as part of the programme, which was launched for the first time this year.

She stated that the initiative had received an encouraging response, with traders also decorating their stalls and putting up the Jalur Gemilang. "We are also organising a competition for the best stall under the National Day theme, and I am encouraged by the enthusiasm shown by traders here," she told reporters after the Semangat Merdeka and Green Night Market Campaign programme.

Alfirza Munira mentioned that the positive response from traders and visitors had encouraged the association to consider extending a similar initiative to other locations, and to plan an event for Malaysia Day on September 16 with the Ipoh City Council.

Meanwhile, Tronoh state assemblyman Steven Tiw Tee Siang noted that the night market provided a good example of how people from different ethnic communities could come together to mark National Month in a relaxed atmosphere. "When we are out here among the people, we can see that Malaysians of Chinese, Indian and Malay backgrounds can come together to celebrate our independence," he said.