PUTRAJAYA: More than 80,000 visitors are expected to flood Dataran Putrajaya in conjunction with National Day 2026 with preparations now reaching between 85% and 90%.
Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah said preparations involving various levels including static training of all contingents had begun in preparation for the celebration themed "Malaysia Madani: Kesejahteraan Dinikmati".
"I need to inform you that the government has set the celebration this time with a modest allocation but we will still feel the excitement.
"The air show is still there but on a small scale, (parade) assets have also been reduced taking into account the global energy crisis and the government is very careful and cautious in managing this matter," he told reporters after the Handover Ceremony from Perbadanan Putrajaya (PPj) in conjunction with the 2026 National Day Celebration here Friday (Aug 21).
Also present were PPj president Datuk Mohd Sakeri Abdul Kadir and chief ceremonial officer of the Government Ceremony and Secretariat Division of the International Conference Datuk Rozainor Ramli.
He said monitoring weather conditions was also a matter of attention, with collaboration held with the Malaysian Meteorological Department and the Environment Department to obtain the latest information before it was presented to the public.
Earlier in his speech, he said the Communications Ministry had established 18 working committees to ensure that all aspects of the celebration preparations were carried out in an orderly manner and one of them was the Logistics and Venue Preparation Committee, which plays a strategic role in ensuring that the site readiness and all logistical requirements are at the best level.
"The readiness of the celebration site not only reflects the image and quality of the organization, but is also an important aspect in ensuring that the entire event can take place smoothly,
orderly and safely without any obstacles," he said.
Towards the final phase of preparations, the rehearsal session for the 2026 National Day Celebration will take place for four days from Aug 26 to 29.
The procession and parade event will involve 10,819 participants from 77 contingents, in addition to featuring 328 assets, 22 electric vehicles (EVs), 112 live assets, 22 marching bands and 11 decorated cars. - Bernama
