PUTRAJAYA: After years of watching the National Day parades live on television and social media, many are now taking the chance to experience the celebrations in person.
Transporter Siti Haslina, 31, said it was her first time attending the parades, adding that she wanted to show her children and family Malaysia’s National Day celebrations.
“We arrived at about 2am, and the place was already packed. We’re also here to support our neighbour's child who is taking part in the performances,” she said when met here on Sunday (Aug 31).
“Although it’s tiring, we know it’s going to be worth it,” said Siti, who is from Taman Medan in Petaling Jaya.
It was also a first time for sisters Aisyah Balqis Jamaludin and Nur Atiqah Jamaludin.
“We came to experience Malaysian patriotism fully. It’s also been our goal to attend the parade in person as we’ve been seeing it on television and social media since our younger years,” said the sisters from Bangsar.
Civil servant Mohd Johan Syah, 39, came all the way from Bahau in Negri Sembilan to attend the parade.
“I wanted to introduce my children to the celebrations. It’s also a first time for all of us, but it’s meaningful to experience it together,” said the policeman who came with his family.
Policewoman Azlinah Ismail, meanwhile, said it was her first time experiencing the parades as a spectator after previously participating in them several years back.
“I used to be part of the motorbike convoy for the police. It’s different to see it from a spectator's perspective, but the spirit of wanting to join the celebrations never faded,” said the 42-year-old Sabahan who is currently serving in Negri Sembilan.
Students Auni Aqeelah Mohd Azree, 19, and Nurqistina Qaisara Abdul Qayyum, 17, said it was their second time attending the parade.
“We attended last year but couldn’t really get a good view, especially of the canines. This year, however, we managed to get a good spot as we came much earlier,” said the duo from Seri Kembangan and Sepang, respectively.
They also said they are most looking forward to seeing Teddy, who is part of the police’s K-9 unit.
Chinese national Zhao Tianren, 25, is also looking forward to seeing the parade, especially the Fire and Rescue Department contingent.
“Abang bomba definitely. We’ve seen them on social media and want to see them in person,” said the university student who came together with his friends.
This year’s National Day celebration is themed "Malaysia Madani: Rakyat Disantuni”.
It will feature 81 contingents, more than 14,000 participants, 437 vehicle assets, 116 animal assets and 21 brass bands.
