SEREMBAN: More than 30,000 people of various races and backgrounds gathered to enliven the Negeri Sembilan-level National Day 2026 celebration at Dataran Majlis Bandaraya Seremban here Monday (Aug 31).
Mentri Besar Datuk Ismail Lasim said the large turnout, with visitors filling the venue from early morning, reflected the people's enthusiasm and patriotic spirit in celebrating the occasion together.
"The turnout clearly shows their enthusiasm in celebrating National Day this year. Some people I spoke to told me they arrived as early as 5.30 am, which shows their strong love for the country and that they were pleased with the performances."
"However, the number of contingents and assets in this year's parade was reduced because we were concerned that a lengthy programme could expose the public to unfavourable conditions due to the haze, although conditions today appear to be good," he told reporters after the celebration.
The Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, and Tunku Ampuan Besar Tuanku Aishah Rohani Tengku Besar Mahmud arrived at the celebration at about 8.20am and were received by Ismail.
A total of 82 contingents involving more than 4,000 participants took part in the parade, comprising government departments and agencies, statutory bodies, district administrations, non-governmental organisations, schools, higher education institutions and private companies.
The Main Guard of Honour comprised three officers and 103 other ranks from the 15th Battalion Royal Malay Regiment (RAMD), Senawang, led by Major Dr Muhammad Hazim Abdul Qhalib.
The unit's Colours officer was Lieutenant Ahmad Izzudin Abdul Kadir, while the Regimental Sergeant Major was Warrant Officer 1 Darul Azhar Mohamed.
The Guard of Honour was accompanied by a combined band from the 24th Battalion Royal Malay Regiment (RAMD) and the Malaysian Army Basic Training Centre Brass Band, under the direction of Drum Major Warrant Officer 2 Azwan Zakaria, performing, among others, Sembah Tari, Aladom, Seruan Tentera and Tentera Benteng.
The celebration also featured a parade of defence and security agency assets, decorated and classic vehicles, including vintage cars and old bicycles, which drew the attention of spectators throughout the event.
The parade also involved the Malaysian Armed Forces, Royal Malaysia Police, Immigration Department, Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia, Health Ministry, Malaysian Civil Defence Force and Seremban City Council.
Meanwhile, housewife Siti Ruayiza Rebin, 42, said she had never missed bringing her three children, aged 19, 15 and 12, to National Day celebrations since they were young.
"I have accustomed them to it from an early age. If there is an independence programme at school, I will support it so that they understand the meaning of independence and appreciate the sacrifices of earlier generations in achieving it," she said.
Private-sector employee Mohd Khairul Azmi, 45, who brought his two children, aged five and seven, said they were excited to see the parade and the various military assets rarely displayed to the public.
"My children were particularly excited to see the vintage cars and security assets. We arrived at about 6 am to get a suitable spot and allow them to watch the parade more closely," he said.
"The celebration is important because it teaches children to appreciate history and the contributions of earlier generations," he added. - Bernama
