GUA MUSANG - A total of 10,000 pieces of onde-onde were used to create a 41-metre replica of the Jalur Gemilang, one of the unique highlights of the 68th National Day celebration at the Kesedar Chalil Land Development Plan (RKT), here.
The round-shaped delicacies were arranged in 68 trays, symbolising the 68 years since Malaysia’s independence.
Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Chalil Parent-Teacher Association (PIBG) president Padzluddin Hamid said the extraordinary replica was crafted by 60 volunteers, mainly parents of SK Chalil students, who worked tirelessly from midnight until 5 am today to complete it.
"Onde-onde was chosen because it is a traditional delicacy that is easy to shape and suitable as the main ingredient to realise the Jalur Gemilang.
"Alhamdulillah, the spirit of unity among the residents is clearly evident as the replica was made through collective effort,” he told reporters at the "Cetusan Jiwa, Semarak Merdeka” programme at the school here today.
Also known as Buah Melaka, onde-onde is made from glutinous rice flour, which is kneaded into a dough and then shaped into balls with palm sugar as the filling and coated in grated coconut.
Meanwhile, one of the participants, Nur Sufiyyah Mohd Sukri, 29, said she was thrilled to take on the challenge despite having no prior experience in making the "kuih onde-onde”.
"I got help from my mother and siblings to make 560 red onde-onde. We stayed up until early morning to make sure we had enough. The hardest part was keeping the kuih the same size because some broke or didn’t turn out right,” she said.
Another participant, Zazila Mat Yaacob, 45, said the activity not only added colour to the celebration but also nurtured a spirit of patriotism across generations.
"Besides making the kuih, other activities were also held today, such as a bicycle decoration contest, creative costume displays, and traditional kuih-making involving participants of all ages.
"Every year, the atmosphere here is very festive, and we are always willing to contribute to ensure the National Day celebration at this land settlement is a success,” she said. - BERNAMA