National Day Celebration Draws Over 100,000, Exceeds Target - Fahmi

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 31 (Bernama) -- More than 100,000 people attended the 2026 National Day celebration here today, surpassing the initial target of 80,000, said Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil.

Fahmi, who is also chairman of the 2026 National Day and Malaysia Day (HKHM) Main Committee, said all preparations had proceeded smoothly according to schedule, with favourable weather throughout the celebration.

“Alhamdulillah, all our preparations went well. More than 100,000 people attended the National Day celebration without any untoward incidents.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the public who came, including those from Sandakan, Johor Bahru and Jeli.

“Many came from across the country to celebrate this very meaningful and significant day together. The atmosphere at today’s 2026 National Day celebration was excellent,” he told reporters after the celebration here today.

Fahmi said the smooth running of the celebration was also the result of close cooperation among various agencies, including the Department of Environment (DOE), Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) and National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA).

“They monitored the situation and were also prepared to conduct cloud seeding,” he said.

This, he said, had also enabled members of the public to enjoy various other activities after the parade, including viewing national defence assets displayed at Anjung Floria and taking part in Riuh Merdeka at Monumen Alaf Baru.

“There are also many food trucks available, and those who came can take the opportunity to enjoy recreational activities with their families,” he said.

Fahmi hoped the 69th National Day celebration would further strengthen Malaysians’ love for the country and homeland.

“Let us work together to preserve our unity and safeguard our beloved Malaysia,” he said.

In line with the theme, “Malaysia MADANI: Kesejahteraan Dinikmati”, this year’s celebration underscored the government’s continued commitment to building a developed, harmonious and prosperous nation regardless of background.

The parade and procession involved 76 contingents, 22 marching bands and 11 decorated vehicles, with 10,819 participants from various government agencies, security forces, uniformed bodies, government-linked companies (GLCs), school students, higher education institutions and civil society groups.

For the first time, the celebration also featured the Royal Johor Military Force, the SEA Games 2027 contingent and the Orange Economy Sustainability cluster contingent.

The celebration also featured the “Gema Inovasi MADANI” percussion performance, combining Rebana Inovasi, Kompang Inovasi and various other traditional instruments. It involved 150 percussionists and 1,500 human graphic performers, reflecting the diversity of the nation’s artistic and cultural heritage.

The finale featured performances by Royal Malaysian Air Force fighter, transport and helicopter squadrons, while the closing performance, “Rentak MADANI, Paluan Tradisi”, brought together 2,350 participants.

-- BERNAMA