GEORGE TOWN: After a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic,the state-level national day parade has kicked off to commemorate Malaysia's 65th year of independence.
The celebration began at 9.05am, after the arrival of Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Penang Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak and his consort Toh Puan Khadijah Mohd Nor.
From as early as 7.30am, thousands of people have gathered at the Esplanade here to grab the perfect spot to witness the event.
Echoes of Negaraku and the Penang state anthem being sung by the public could be heard from as far away as Komtar during the raising of Jalur Gemilang.
Ahmad Fuzi then inspected a guard-of-honour of the 3rd Royal Armoured Corps.
Earlier, state speaker Datuk Law Choo Kiang arrived with his wife Datin Teoh Hooi Tuang at 845am followed by the arrival Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and his wife Tan Lean Kee.
A total of 81 contingents involving 4,800 personnel and 27 vehicle contingents involving 665 vehicles with 780 personnel are involved in the state-level National Day parade.
