Colours of Malaysia: Multiracial dancers performing during the celebrations in Putrajaya. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star
PUTRAJAYA: It was not only the K9 units that stole the show during the National Day Parade; three cats – Shimba, Oyen, and Mochi – also took the spotlight.
The felines were part of the Civil Defence Force contingent.
According to an officer, Shimba is a “new” recruit and was joining the parade for the first time.
“He’s still an ‘intern’ and new to work.
“Oyen, however, is a seasoned veteran and has been with us for three years,” said the officer in jest to the crowd gathered before the parade began at Dataran Putrajaya yesterday.
Many also took the opportunity to take pictures with Shimba.
Mochi was described as “a cat that likes to climb trees but can’t come down” according to a signboard placed next to it.
Meanwhile, the canine units, which included those from the Fire and Rescue Department, Customs Department, police, and army, were cheered on by spectators.
Oyen taking part in the National Day parade with the Malaysian Civil Defence Force contingent. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star
Students Auni Aqeelah Mohd Azree and Nurqistina Qaisara Abdul Qayyum said their main focus this year was to get a good view of the canine units.
“During our trip last year, we couldn’t really see them. But this time, we managed to get good seats to see the dogs clearly,” said the duo from Seri Kembangan and Serdang respectively.
While most had leashes and harnesses, the police’s canine unit also wore sunglasses and boots during the parade.
A total of 116 service animals took part in the parade across 81 contingents.
