MUAR, July 27 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim flagged off the 2025 Kembara Merdeka Jalur Gemilang (KMJG) convoy at Dataran Tanjung Emas today, marking the official start of the National Month celebrations and spreading the spirit of patriotism across the nation.
The historic event saw participation from a wide range of groups, including civil servants, gig workers, motorsport enthusiasts, security forces, and, for the first time, local fishermen who proudly displayed the Jalur Gemilang as they sailed along Sungai Muar.
Some 59 fishing boats, manned by the local fishing community, along with vessels from the Department of Marine (two units), the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) (three units), and the Marine Police (two units), were all adorned with the Jalur Gemilang.
In total, 172 participants were involved, symbolising the support of rural and coastal communities for the nation’s independence.
Similarly, 88 land vehicles joined the convoy, with 133 participants from various agencies and organisations, including the Malaysian Information Department (JAPEN), the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Pos Malaysia, the Johor state government's departments, the BMW K16 Motorsport Club of Johor, and gig economy vehicles.
The convoy will pass through 88 checkpoints: 44 in Peninsular Malaysia, 20 in Sabah, 22 in Sarawak, and two in the Federal Territory of Labuan, before concluding at Dataran Putrajaya on August 31, the location of the 2025 National Day celebrations.
Present at the flag-off ceremony were Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.
The launch event featured various community-centred programmes, including the Kita Madani Carnival, with activities such as colouring contests, Bintang Suara Madani, cultural performances, and local heritage displays.
Additionally, the Madani Community entrepreneur booths brought together micro and small business owners from across the country, while the Madani Sales programme and booths offering services from both government and private agencies were set up to engage the public.
— Bernama
