PUTRAJAYA, Aug 31 — Tens of thousands of Malaysians packed Dataran Putrajaya for the National Day parade today, many with Jalur Gemilang motifs painted on their cheeks and national flags in hand.
Some families appeared to have camped overnight to secure the best vantage points for the annual parade, while those unable to get a front-row view followed the livestreams on their phones as they waited patiently behind a sea of spectators.
The ceremony began at 8am with the arrival of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, and Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, who were escorted to the stage by royal guards and members of the Malaysian Armed Forces.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife, Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, were also present.
The Royal Artillery Regiment fired a 14-gun salute representing the states and Federal Territories as the crowd sang the national anthem.
Dozens of colourful floats from ministries and agencies then made their way through the square, including the eagerly awaited Fire and Rescue Department contingent, where several firemen drew cheers by flexing their well-toned muscles.
Even members of the Carsome Malaysia contingent got in on the act, mimicking the firemen’s poses in an attempt to catch the crowd’s attention.
Another crowd favourite was the Upin & Ipin float by the Communications Ministry, which sent young children into cheers at the sight of the beloved cartoon characters.
Also braving the heat were canines from the Royal Malaysia Police K9 unit, with thousands cheering and waving as the dogs marched calmly alongside their handlers.
Just before the parade drew to a close, the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) staged a spectacular flypast, prompting another roar from the crowds gathered below.
Fighter jets streaked across the sky and released decoy flares during the aerial display, sending thousands of spectators reaching for their phones to capture the moment.
The aircraft had departed from Subang Air Base earlier in the day, led by RMAF chief General Tan Sri Muhamad Norazlan Aris, who piloted a Sukhoi Su-30MKM.
