PUTRAJAYA: As the administrative capital once again hosts the National Day celebration, traders and those taking part in the parade are looking forward to visitors attending the event.
A cafe owner, known only as Dayang, 48, said she was excited for tomorrow, which would see Malaysians gather at Putrajaya to celebrate the national holiday.
“I foresee that the reception this year will be as great as that in Kuala Lumpur last year. I’m hoping that it will help me boost my business here.
“It has been a long time since Putrajaya had such a grand event. Before the pandemic, it was very active, but lately it has been quiet. I’m glad that Putrajaya is once again hosting the National Day,” she added.
“Many locals in Putrajaya have been watching the rehearsals for the past few days. They said that they would be staying home to give Malaysians from other states the opportunity to attend,” said Dayang, whose cafe is located at the heart of the event in Dataran Putrajaya.
Dayang first started operating her cafe on National Day in 2019.
“Five years ago, I started my business and coincidentally, its first day of operations was also National Day.
“This year, I hope to be able to recruit more staff to help me serve the customers,” she said.
Another trader, Muhd Syahrul, 37, is also eagerly anticipating the arrival of visitors during the celebration.
“This will really enliven Putrajaya once again. I’m really excited to serve more customers,” said the food truck operator here.
Form Four student Sarah Qistina Tan, who will be performing alongside her schoolmates, wasn’t about to miss this once-in-a-lifetime chance to participate at the event.
“Last year, my elder sister took part in a performance and I felt inspired to join. Thankfully, my school, SMK Aminuddin Baki in Kuala Lumpur, was selected to join the Education Ministry contingent.
“This would be the first and last time for me, as next year I will be busy with my SPM examination. So, I’m so excited! Even during the rehearsal, there were a lot of people attending,” said Tan.
Her friend, Farah Izzlyn agreed, saying that they were glad to be a part of the occasion.
Yesterday, the public joined the parade participants for their full dress rehearsal.
Data executive Norzila Izman, 28, said she decided to attend the rehearsal as she would not be able to make it during the actual day itself due to work commitments.
“I wanted to witness the parade myself, especially the famous ‘Abang Bomba’!” she said.
‘Abang Bomba’, a contingent from the Fire and Rescue Department, made headlines last year during the celebration in Dataran Merdeka after videos of them flexing their muscles during the parade went viral.
“I watched many of their videos on social media last year and I told myself that I wouldn’t miss them this time,” Norzila quipped.
According to Perbadanan Putrajaya, about 100,000 people are expected to attend the event on Thursday.
Over 17,000 participants will be parading during the celebration this year, comprising contingents from government agencies, law enforcement and the private sector.
Also making its return in a parachute jumping act is the Special Forces Commando Unit.
After making its debut as the National Day host in 2003, Putrajaya was the venue for celebrations in 2005, 2018 and 2019.
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