KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s diverse ethnic groups were among more than 170 contingents taking part in the National Day and Sabah Day 2026 celebration at Dataran Bandaraya here on Monday (Aug 31).
The parade, featuring the Jalur Gemilang, the flags of all Malaysian states, and the 2026 National Day theme flag, saw the contingents marching with armoured vehicles while thousands joined in the celebration.
It began with the singing of the Negaraku and Sabah Tanah Airku, followed by a Royal Salute ceremony where Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Musa Aman inspected a guard of honour.
The guard comprised of 103 personnel and three officers from the 22nd Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment led by Major Mohd Aznil Farid Mohd Rozlan.
ALSO READ: Celebrating National Day, Sabah Day together can unify Malaysians, says Hajiji
Parade contingents included the Army, Royal Malaysian Navy, security forces, uniformed bodies, state ministries, schools, and higher education institutions.
Ethnic cultural associations, NGOs and private sector groups also joined the parade.
A special performance by the state Fire and Rescue Department and cultural performances by the Sabah Cultural Board and the Persembahan Aneka Warna enlivened the celebrations.
Also present were Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and his deputies Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun, Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, and Datuk Ewon Benedick, along with state Cabinet ministers.
