PUTRAJAYA: Amid roaring crowds and marching contingents, foreign visitors soaked in Malaysia’s National Day spirit, many experiencing the celebrations for the first time.
For British tourist Theo Tebay, seeing Malaysia's National Day celebrations in person was a chance to experience a side of the country he had only seen through online videos.
"I just wanted to see the Malaysian National Day and see what it’s all about, the culture and everything like that,” he said.
Tebay, who arrived at the parade venue with his fiancée after an hour-long walk, said he had watched clips of previous celebrations on YouTube but wanted to experience the festivities first-hand.
"I think it would be pretty cool to see the military and feel the might of the country,” he said.
He was also surprised by the large crowd that had gathered early in the morning.
"I was very surprised to see this many people here already. But I'm guessing it's going to get a lot busier soon,” he said, adding that he had enjoyed his stay in Malaysia and would return.
For international student Yagoub, 24, from Guinea in West Africa, the National Day celebrations marked his most memorable experience since arriving in Malaysia last September.
Yagoub, who came specifically to experience National Day, said he was eager to see the various security and uniformed forces, including the police, immigration officers and special forces.
He was also impressed by the fireworks display at KLCC the night before.
"My experience in Malaysia has been positive, everyone is kind and welcoming towards people from different backgrounds,” he said.
Yemeni student Anas Mohammed, 20, who has been in Malaysia for four months, arrived at the venue as early as 6am to join the celebrations with his Malaysian friends.
Mohammed, who chose to study in Malaysia partly on his father's recommendation, said the parade was "beautiful and fascinating”, particularly the military display.
"I saw the power of the military and something that makes you proud of this country,” he said.
Greek visitor Lucas Kovaci, 33, meanwhile, said parts of the event reminded him of National Day celebrations in Greece.
Kovaci, who lives in London with his Malaysian wife and was visiting for a wedding, said he was impressed by the military display and even asked if he could climb onto one of the tanks.
"It’s very impressive. We have a similar thing in Greece as well every year, because we have our Independence Day,” he said.
Meanwhile, Thai visitor Arini, 32, was spending her final day in Malaysia after arriving three days earlier with three friends specifically to experience the celebrations.
"I’m interested in seeing aspects of the parade that were not available in Thailand,” she said.
