PENTARAMA MERDEKA@HOHO Brings National Day Spirit Closer To The People

By Maizatul Jamny Muhammad Rosli

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 17 (Bernama) -- The sight of a brightly decorated double-decker bus weaving through the federal capital last night, blaring patriotic songs and flying the Jalur Gemilang, turned heads as it transformed the city streets into a moving celebration of National Day and Malaysia Day 2025.

The unique initiative, known as PENTARAMA MERDEKA@HOHO, is a collaboration between the Information Department (JAPEN) and Elang Wah Sdn Bhd, operator of the KL Hop-On Hop-Off (KL HOHO) service.

Now in its second year, the collaboration goes beyond last year’s concept by offering a stronger and more impactful programme.

Bernama joined the event aboard the decorated bus, which doubled as a mobile stage featuring music, dance, cultural performances and the Jalur Gemilang. The bus made stops at Sungei Wang, River of Life and Pavilion KL.

In addition to performances, the mobile stage offered interactive activities such as patriotic quizzes, while Jalur Gemilang flags were distributed to the public at each stop.

The programme stood out for its ability to deliver patriotic messages amid the city’s bustle without requiring people to gather at a specific venue, creating a fresh and inclusive experience for city dwellers and tourists.

R. Thinesh, 25, who watched the show at Sungei Wang, said he was surprised but delighted to see patriotic performances on the streets, describing the effort as creative and impactful.

“I heard music from afar and then saw a bus decorated with Malaysian flags, with people singing and dancing to Merdeka songs. It was exciting because I didn’t have to go anywhere else, the performance came to me,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mastura Ibrahim, 38, who was at River of Life with her husband and three children, said the surprise performance captured the children’s attention and added joy to their outing.

“My kids wanted to stop and watch. I think it’s a great programme, especially with so many children around. It helps lift everyone’s spirit during this National Month,” she said.

The final stop for PENTARAMA MERDEKA@HOHO will be in Putrajaya on Aug 30, with key stops at Menara Usahawan, Menara KBS, and Dataran Gemilang.

For more information on the programme and other activities for the National Day and Malaysia Day 2025 celebrations, visit the official HKHM 2025 portal at www.merdeka360.my.

-- BERNAMA