Malaysia

Kg Sim-Sim villagers’ patriotic spirit wins Malaysia Day decoration competition

Townsfolk display handmade models of battleships, made with recyclable materials

Updated 4 years ago · Published on 16 Sep 2022 3:18PM

Kg Sim-Sim villagers’ patriotic spirit wins Malaysia Day decoration competition
Tg Papat rep Datuk Frankie Poon Ming Fung presents the winning prize to the representatives of Bridge 11, Kg Sim-Sim in Sandakan. – REBECCA CHONG/The Vibes pic, September 16, 2022

by Rebecca Chong

SANDAKAN – Ten families living at the Kg Sim-Sim water village, here, celebrated Malaysia Day at another level as they decorated the entrance of Bridge 11 with recyclable materials, producing mock battleship models used by the national security forces.  

The villagers made and put up the decorations themselves, having been doing it annually since 2019 for the Patriotic Decoration Competition organised by Tg Papat assemblyman Datuk Frankie Poon Ming Fung. 

The competition was held between over 20 bridges linking to Kg Sim-Sim.   

Each year, Bridge 11 has been outstanding with its decoration, making it the third-time winner of the competition this year.  

The villagers of Bridge 11, Kg Sim-Sim in Sandakan say they took about 15 days to decorate the entrance of their village in conjunction with Malaysia Day. – REBECCA CHONG/The Vibes pic, September 16, 2022
The villagers of Bridge 11, Kg Sim-Sim in Sandakan say they took about 15 days to decorate the entrance of their village in conjunction with Malaysia Day. – REBECCA CHONG/The Vibes pic, September 16, 2022

One of the villagers, Sudirman Othman, said that it had cost the villagers about RM600 to produce all the decorations and a lot of manpower, as it took them about 15 days to beautify the bridge.  

Other than producing several battleship models with recyclable materials, they also created a colourful tricycle, a model train, a fire truck and others, which they displayed at the entrance of their bridge.  

@thevibesnews

Ten families living at the Kg Sim-Sim water village, here, celebrated Malaysia Day at another level, with battleship models.

♬ original sound - The Vibes

“I am very proud to say that all the Bridge 11 villagers (with 22 houses) have been very supportive. Over half of the village had contributed time and strength to make this happen.  

“I think that this also gives a positive message to our children here. It makes them want to learn more about the history and appreciate their identity as Malaysians,” he told The Vibes.  

Models of battleships used by the national security forces, made by the winning team, are on display in front of Bridge 11, Kg Sim-Sim, Sandakan. – REBECCA CHONG/The Vibes pic, September 16, 2022
Models of battleships used by the national security forces, made by the winning team, are on display in front of Bridge 11, Kg Sim-Sim, Sandakan. – REBECCA CHONG/The Vibes pic, September 16, 2022

Meanwhile, Poon, when met during the prize presentation session, said he is happy to see the enthusiasm and spirit of the villagers in decorating their bridge.  

“The purpose of this competition is to celebrate the formation of Malaysia, with the hope that it will instil patriotism and love for the country among our residents. 

“It also promotes togetherness and unity among different races and religions,” he said. – The Vibes, September 16, 2022

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