Celebratory mood: Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, graciously mingling with the people during the 2025 Perak state-level National Day celebrations at the Ipoh Town Hall. — Bernama
IPOH: Excited Malaysians thronged the Ipoh Town Hall for the state-level 68th National Day celebrations here.
Many arrived as early as 5am to get the best spot to watch the parade yesterday, which was graced by the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, the Royal Family and state government leaders.
Housewife Noor Shahrina Ismail, 38, took the opportunity to dress up her two sons – Muhd Faris Aiman Muhd Murhalim, 7, and Muhd Faris Risqi Muhd Murhalim, 4, in police uniforms.
She said her husband, a policeman, was not on duty this year.
Noor Shahrina said she hopes to instil a sense of patriotism in her children from a young age.
Nor Kamilia Mohd Patthi, 35, travelled from Penang with her family, including her father who is on a wheelchair, just to see the Royal Family.
“When we came here last year (for the parade), it was my mother who was in a wheelchair, but she has recovered.
“My father is in a wheelchair now as he had his toe amputated recently,” she added.
Housewife G. Kalaivani, 39, was thrilled to attend the parade, saying it was her first time.
She also took the opportunity to bring her 7-year-old daughter along.
About 5,891 people from 111 contingents including state agencies, private entities, non-governmental organisations and learning institutions participated in the parade.
Also present during the celebrations were Raja Permaisuri Perak Tuanku Zara Salim, Raja Muda Perak Raja Jaafar Raja Muda Musa, Raja DiHilir Perak Raja Iskandar Dzulkarnain Idris Shah and Raja Puan Muda Perak Tunku Soraya Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah.
Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad and his wife Datin Seri Aezer Zubin, state executive council members and department heads were also present.
In his speech, Saarani said Malaysia’s strength lies in unity amid cultural and religious diversity.
“To care for the people is also to unite them, listen to their voices, defend their rights and ensure that they share in the benefits of development.”
Saarani added that technology is a challenge these days.
“Propaganda now spreads easily, slander is hurled quickly and false news circulates at lightning speed.
“These developments remind us that the foundation of our national identity must never be allowed to weaken.
“In building the nation’s identity, three pillars must always be upheld, namely the national language, which binds us in unity across diversity, the Jalur Gemilang as a symbol of sovereignty and the Rukun Negara, our pledge of loyalty,” he said.
Meanwhile, there was a brief incident at the celebrations.
State police chief Comm Datuk Noor Hisam Noordin said a woman, who suddenly appeared on stage, tried to grab the Perak Ruler while the state anthem was being played at about 8.20am.
“She had entered from the side of the stage and approached His Highness the Sultan of Perak before being stopped by security personnel.
“The suspect was arrested on the spot,” he said in a statement.
Comm Noor Hisam said that initial checks found that the woman, 41, has a drug-related record.
“She also has a history of psychiatric treatment and is under specialist supervision,” he said, adding that her urine test came back negative for drugs.
He said the case is being investigated for attempting to voluntarily cause grievous hurt.
“We urge the public to respect the country’s official celebrations and not to cause incidents that would spark public concern and safety,” he added.
