MELAKA: Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh expressed his appreciation to the people of the state who together enlivened the three-day National Day 2026 celebrations, attracting more than 150,000 visitors, here.
He said the celebrations, which began with the Malam Melaka Berselawat programme, followed by Ambang Merdeka on Sunday (Aug 30) night and culminating on Monday (Aug 31) at Persiaran Jalan Pantai, Klebang, saw the attendance of thousands of Melaka residents to celebrate this year's National Day.
"I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the people of Melaka who have celebrated the National Day at the state level over the past three days ... we saw thousands of Melaka residents coming out. Thank you, Melaka," he said when met by reporters after the 2026 National Day celebration at the state level here.
The celebration themed 'Malaysia Madani: Kesejahteraan Dinikmati' (Malaysia Madani: Prosperity Enjoyed) was attended by approximately 12,000 participants from 158 contingents, involving various layers of society.
The event was further enlivened by a parade of 32 units of various types of vehicles showcasing the capabilities and logistics diversity of government departments and agencies, security forces, uniformed bodies and the private sector.
More than 70,000 local visitors and tourists flocked to Persiaran Jalan Pantai, Klebang since early morning, making the celebration one of the most anticipated annual events in the state.
The full ceremonial parade involved the participation of federal and state government departments and agencies, security forces including the Royal Malaysia Police, the Malaysian Armed Forces, the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency.
Also participating were non-governmental organisations (NGOs), school uniformed bodies and higher education institutions, community associations, as well as representatives from private companies and the corporate sector.
This year's celebration also featured an aerial salute involving Sukhoi Su-30MKM, FA-18 D Hornet, Hawk 200 fighter jets, and three transport aircraft types A400M and C-130 Hercules, which was held for the second consecutive time after being included in last year's state-level celebration.
In addition, the celebration was further enlivened by a 'human graphic' performance involving 2,500 participants, cultural performances by local artistes and students, a marching band playing patriotic songs, and a ground display by the security forces.
The involvement of various layers of society in the celebration reflects the spirit of patriotism and unity of the people in commemorating National Day and serves as a symbol of the people's unity in line with the aspirations of Malaysia Madani.- Bernama
