The Communications and Multimedia Ministry will intensify the "Fly the Jalur Gemilang" campaign nationwide in conjunction with Malaysia's 56th Independence Day celebration.

Its secretary-general Datuk Kamaruddin Siaraf said in this regard, the ministry would issue a reminder on the campaign to fly the national flag to the relevant parties.

"As usual, Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) will play its role in promoting the 'Fly the Jalur Gelimang' campaign," he said when met by Bernama at his Aidilfitri open house at his residence in Sri Carcosa, Seremban 2, here, today.

He was asked to comment on the lukewarm response to efforts to get the public to fly the national flag in conjunction with the upcoming Merdeka Day celebration.

Kamaruddin, however, noted that at the official launching of the campaign at Dataran Zero in Sungai Petani, Kedah, on Friday, more than 50,000 people thronged the venue and it was an unexpected number.

"This is a good sign for the campaign this year. Nevertheless, we need a more aggressive participation in the campaign, particularly from the Information Department, and other departments and agencies under the ministry.

"InsyaAllah (God willing), we will draw up an immediate plan to boost the 'Fly the Jalur Gemilang' campaign at the national, state and district levels.

"What we hope is for the state governments and local authorities to promote the campaign and fly the Jalur Gemilang at their buildings, as well as to get the private sector to do the same," he said.