Vibrant cultural, military displays the highlights as Penang hosts Asean Navies City Parade
THE Asean Navies’ City Parade (ANCP) − which returned to George Town after more than 30 years − drew tens of thousands with its vibrant line-up of cultural, military and family-friendly activities.
It featured colourful performances by Asean naval forces – the Indonesian Navy staged the traditional Nusantara Harmony dance while the Thai Navy thrilled the crowd with muay thai martial arts displays.
Naval delegations from Myanmar and Vietnam entertained with song performances during the showcase at Padang Kota Lama on Sunday.
As the host, the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) commanded attention with its silent march, cultural dances, singing and fire-breathing acts.
Other military and enforcement agencies also set up exhibitions and interactive showcases on the field, further adding to the festivities.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the ANCP, held in conjunction with “Hari Buletin 4.0” organised by the state government and RMN, attracted some 40,000 visitors.
“This programme is perfect for the enjoyment of the whole family.
“In the spirit of Penang2030 Vision, Hari Buletin has truly become a gathering that brings people from all walks of life together,” Chow said at the closing ceremony.
He added that the event not only strengthened regional ties but also allowed the public to experience the capabilities of Asean naval forces up close.
This year’s ANCP also commemorated the historic 1990 International Royal Fleet Review, which saw 59 warships and over 11,000 naval personnel visiting Penang.
Other activities included lucky draws and a children’s colouring contest, keeping the atmosphere lively for visitors of all ages.
Warship wonders
Naval enthusiasts also enjoyed the sight of warships from across the Asean region, their towering hulls and steel turrets offering a striking display of naval might.
Last Friday, 10 warships from the Asean region arrived at Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal ahead of a series of maritime defence events.
Thousands of visitors seized the rare opportunity to board the heavily guarded vessels – these are ships that are usually shrouded in military secrecy.
For many, the first impression that struck when they set foot on deck would have been the thick, armour-plated hulls built to withstand blasts, enemy fire and the unforgiving seas.
The tour led visitors through narrow passageways, secured doors and compartmentalised rooms designed to contain damage in the event of an attack or breach.
Onboard demonstrations showed the complexity of warship life, where crew members explained steering mechanisms, engine levers and control panels, lined with rows of buttons and switches, all linked in a web of systems that keep the vessel moving and battle-ready.
A steep ladder up to the bridge, to the ship’s command centre, allowed visitors to peer through naval binoculars from the captain’s chair to simulate the commanding view at sea.
For housewife Nur Fazliana Md Rozi, 28, from Kepala Batas, the chance to bring three generations of her family onboard the country’s KD Kedah was deeply meaningful.
“Bringing my family here is truly special because we don’t often get to see this,” she said, standing on the 91m-high ship with its 76mm-diameter gun dominating the bow.
Nur Fazliana added that stepping onto the warships filled them with pride and a sense of security as Malaysians.
“Walking through the warship and listening to the sailors explain their duties gave us a lot of respect for their discipline and commitment.
“This visit is both educational and inspiring for the younger generation,” she said.
The crowds kept arriving despite heavy rain in the afternoon, with some drenched but undeterred.
Software programmer Tan Chee Ming, 29, said his fascination with naval warfare made the visit unmissable.
“I’ve read about fleets online and in military magazines and seen pictures of turrets and missile systems.
“But standing here, looking up at turrets bigger than my head, is simply overwhelming.
“You cannot grasp their sheer firepower until you see and touch them in person,” he said.
Many visitors left with souvenirs sold at the stern of the vessels as small tokens of a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Throughout the week, Penang has taken centre stage in regional maritime defence.
On Aug 19, the 19th Asean Navy Chiefs’ Meeting in Batu Ferringhi discussed security, peace and stability in the region’s seas.
Yesterday, delegates attended the Asean Chief Navy Interaction Programme at Penang Hill that included a tree-planting ceremony and launch of the Asean Harmony Grove to symbolise Asean naval fleets’ commitment to the Asean Green Initiative.
Today is the grand finale, where the Asean Fleet Review will see all participating warships sail in formation through the northern strait.
Malaysia assumed the role of Asean chair with this year’s theme being “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, symbolising its aspiration to guide the 58-year-old regional bloc towards a more united, dynamic and sustainable future.
