Participants practicing during the full-dress rehearsal for the National Day parade in Putrajaya. — Photos: AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star
EAGER to soak in the patriotic vibes, some Malaysians are booking hotel stays in Putrajaya to ensure they do not miss the National Day parade tomorrow.
One of them is Intan Sazlina Abd Razak from Ipoh, Perak, who booked a two-night stay with husband and three children.
“Growing up, my late father took my siblings and I to see the Merdeka parade in Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur, every year.
“Now a mother myself, I want to continue that tradition with my children,” said Intan Sazlina who will be bringing her mother along.
Fire and Rescue Department personnel on a fire engine during the march-past. — Photos: AZHAR MAHFOF and FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
Newlyweds Mohd Hafiz Mohd Halim and Noor Syafiqa Zainol from Klang, Selangor, were also looking forward to a short holiday in the administrative capital.
“We have never attended the National Day parade before. This holiday will be like a mini honeymoon,” said Mohd Hafiz.
Shaliza Md Idris, 24, came with her mother from Puchong to see the full-dress parade rehearsal yesterday.
“It is good if you want to see the full parade minus the crowds. The rehearsal is just as festive, but with fewer people,” she said.
Hotels in Putrajaya also experienced a surge in guests.
Bagpipe troupe practising their march-past during the rehearsal.
Checks by StarMetro on several accommodation booking platforms found many were almost fully booked.
The mass media have also reported that many hotels were bracing for more guests today and tomorrow.
In a media statement, the Information Department said more than 14,000 participants were expected at the National Day parade tomorrow.
It will also involve 116 animals and 21 marching bands featuring patriotic and various cultural themes, reported Bernama.
Set to make an appearance are aerial flypast by national defence assets, and seven decorated floats highlighting key national initiatives such as Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship and the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign.
To ensure the event runs smoothly, some 8,000 seats are prepared, in addition to 15,000 parking bays.
To reduce congestion, free shuttle buses and water taxis will be provided for visitors to get there.
The public can also check out the “Riuh Merdeka 2025” programme at the Monumen Alaf Baru carpark that will run until tomorrow.
It features a wide array of traders selling attires, accessories, beauty products as well as food and beverages.
A Merdeka Countdown will be held at the same venue at 11.55pm tonight.
