NIBONG TEBAL: Penang's National Day parade, celebrating the nation's 68th year of independence and the spirit of unity, is drawing a large crowd at the Penang State Stadium in Batu Kawan here.
By 5.30am on Sunday (August 31), heavy traffic started accumulating around Batu Kawan township as thousands of visitors headed towards the stadium.
The four-hour celebration, themed Madani Malaysia: Rakyat Disantuni (Caring for Citizens), was scheduled to start at 8am, featuring a lively lineup of performances and parades that highlight unity and patriotism.
The parade this year would feature participation from over 10,000 individuals in nearly 150 contingents.
A total of 122 marching contingents, representing government departments, statutory bodies, GLCs and NGOs, together with 22 vehicle contingents comprising 676 vehicles, would participate in the procession.
Cultural highlights include the SMJK Jit Sin choir, traditional dance performances, the Muhibah Drum Ensemble and a guard-of-honour from the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment.
Visitors can also look forward to 21 exhibition booths by state and federal agencies, alongside displays of assets by the police, armed forces and Fire and Rescue Department.
Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ramli Ngah Talib, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, and state leaders took the salute from the main stage during the parade.
Approximately 10,000 visitors are expected to gather for the occasion to promote national unity and showcase pride in the country's achievements.
