PUTRAJAYA: There was little time for beauty sleep for those determined to secure a prime spot to watch the National Day parade.
Even before sunrise, the streets around Dataran Putrajaya were already buzzing with families and children, their excitement palpable as they gathered for the celebrations.
Some had travelled through the night, while others arrived in the early hours to stake out the best spots for a glimpse of the parade.
Among them was Siti Noorsharmimi Che Muda, 39, who came with her husband and their four children from Penang.
“It’s actually the first time all of us are watching the parade here, as we usually attend the celebrations in Penang.
“We arrived around 4am, and the place was already buzzing,” she said.
For Caren Kee, 38, it was also her first time attending the parade with her family.
Accompanied by her husband and two children, she said they usually watched the parade on television.
“My kids became extremely interested in experiencing the event in person after they were taught about patriotism in school.
“Although there are many people here, the transportation system has allowed for seamless travel,” she said, adding she is particularly looking forward to the 24-season drums performance.
Technician Jacckson Lee, 39, began his journey from Johor at midnight just to make it here on time.
“It is entirely different from watching on TV. There are so many people here, making the atmosphere even more lively,” he said.
He added that attending the National Day celebrations together with his wife and six children has been on the family’s bucket list for quite some time.
It was a National Day celebration to remember for a group of friends who finally fulfilled their wish to experience the festivities together.
The group consisting of Batrisyia Badrun, 26; Dianne Marlon, 35; Najwa Syamsul Bahrin, 26; Umi Aira Kahlirah Abdul Kahar, 15; Syakirah Hamiruddin, 22; and Mohd Saiful Hamiruddin, 27, arrived as early as 3am, hoping to secure a good spot.
“Even then, the crowds were already here, especially right in front of the barricades, as some people had already set up camp from the previous night.
“The celebration this time is also extremely crowded compared with our experience in previous years,” said Batrisyia.
She said that although they had attended the parade individually in previous celebrations, this was the first time they were all present together.
Asked about their hopes for Malaysia, they said unity remained an important component for the country.
“We always hope that Malaysia’s harmony continues and that the country remains independent and peaceful,” she said.
