HKHM 2026: Krisakti Aerobatic Team Sets To Paint Putrajaya Skies At Sunset

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 17 (Bernama) -- The skies over Putrajaya are set for a spectacular transformation as the Krisakti Aerobatic Team takes flight at dusk, bringing a new dimension to this year’s National Day and Malaysia Day (HKHM 2026) celebrations.

Dubbed “Melukis Senja” (Painting the Sunset), the air show will be staged on Aug 30, marking the first time the national celebrations will feature an aerial display during the transition from daylight to night.

Aerotree Group president and Krisakti Aerobatic Team leader Datuk Halim Othman said the unusual timing was deliberately chosen to offer spectators a different experience from the traditional daytime air shows.

“Air shows and parades are usually held during the day, leaving a gap at dusk. This is the best time because the public would have finished their activities and can also enjoy the sunset,” he said when featured on Bernama TV’s Apa Khabar Malaysia programme today.

But behind the visual spectacle lies a demanding aviation challenge.

Halim said the brief transition from daylight to darkness was one of the most critical periods for the pilots, who must adjust to rapidly changing light conditions while maintaining precision during the performance.

“The transition from day to night is critical in aviation as the sun begins to set. This period is very short and critical,” he said.

Halim said preparations for the show began one to two months ago, with the team focusing on flight planning, emergency procedures and environmental conditions along the flight path, including the presence of high-rise buildings.

Briefings and training sessions are also being conducted to ensure the pilots and crew are mentally prepared and fully aware of the procedures to follow should anything unexpected occur, he added.

The twilight performance is among several special programmes planned to add colour to the HKHM 2026 celebrations in Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur.

Communications Ministry Control and Compliance Division secretary Kamarudin Abdul Rani said the festivities in Putrajaya would continue after the air show with a countdown and an open-air movie screening, giving visitors activities to enjoy while awaiting the following day’s parade at the Riuh Merdeka site.

“In Kuala Lumpur, the Merdeka Eve celebrations at Dataran Merdeka will feature fireworks and the Merdeka gathering, with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim scheduled to deliver his address at Stadium Merdeka,” he said.

Other attractions include a Quran Hour programme at Masjid PNB 118 and a strategic partners’ village featuring about 50 companies, which will stage exhibitions and distribute free items to visitors.

Kamarudin also encouraged visitors to drop by the strategic partners’ village, where food and drinks will be distributed as part of the celebrations.

-- BERNAMA