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A WAVE of patriotism swept across Malaysia as thousands of Malaysians gathered from the early hours of the morning to celebrate the country’s 69th National Day, turning streets, squares and stadiums into scenes of national pride and unity.
In Putrajaya, crowds began arriving at Dataran Putrajaya as early as 3am, braving the darkness to secure the best vantage points for the National Day parade and witness the celebrations marking Malaysia’s independence.
The early turnout reflected the strong patriotic spirit surrounding the occasion, with Malaysians from different backgrounds coming together to celebrate their shared identity and love for the nation.
This year’s celebrations feature 10,819 participants from 77 contingents, alongside 112 service animals taking part in the parade.
The spectacle also includes 11 decorated vehicles, 22 marching bands and 328 land, sea and air assets, giving the public a showcase of Malaysia’s institutions, capabilities and national achievements.
Adding a modern dimension to the celebrations are 22 electric vehicle (EV) units, reflecting the country’s aspirations for a more sustainable future.
Beyond the scale of the parade, the thousands who gathered before sunrise underscored the enduring emotional connection Malaysians have with National Day, with the Jalur Gemilang serving as a prominent symbol of the country’s independence and togetherness.
The patriotic mood was already evident on National Day eve, when hundreds of thousands gathered at major celebration sites nationwide to count down to midnight.
More than 100,000 people packed Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur for the Kita Bagi Jadi @ Ambang Merdeka 2026 concert, with Malaysians of all ages arriving from as early as 8pm.
Many waved the Jalur Gemilang as they gathered beneath the iconic Sultan Abdul Samad Building, creating a sea of national colours against one of Kuala Lumpur’s most recognisable landmarks.
The 90-minute concert featured local artistes Aina Abdul, Aman RA, Nadia Aqilah, Asmidar, Haziq Rosebi, Mimifly, Izen Kong and Pasya, with about 350 performers combining music, dance and storytelling to celebrate Malaysia’s history, cultural heritage and diversity.
Also present were Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh and Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Fadlun Mak Ujud.
In Putrajaya, Communications Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah joined the Ambang Merdeka celebrations at the New Millennium Monument car park, where the Kira Detik Merdeka countdown culminated in a fireworks display.
Held in conjunction with RIUH Merdeka, the programme featured performances by local artistes including Ernie Zakri, Anuar Zain and Noraniza Idris, followed by screenings of "Mukhsin" and "Sepet" from 2am.
In Selangor, more than 20,000 people gathered at Kajang Stadium for the state-level 69th National Day celebration, with crowds arriving from as early as 8pm.
The arrival of Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari at 9.20pm marked the start of the main programme, featuring a parachute display by the elite VAT 69 Commando squad and the singing of "Negaraku".
The celebrations continued with a parade involving public and private-sector contingents, decorated vehicles and special performances by the Fire and Rescue Department, police and Malaysian Armed Forces.
At midnight, Amirudin led the crowd in a resounding "Merdeka" cry, followed by fireworks, a light show and a concert featuring Datuk Ramli Sarip, Datuk Awie, Gerhana Skacinta, Merrah and Wani Kyrie.
A drone display also formed part of the Kita Bagi Jadi CIMB Bank Ambang Merdeka Festival concert organised with Kuala Lumpur City Hall at Dataran Merdeka.
In Melaka, more than 10,000 people gathered at Dataran 1Malaysia in Klebang for the state-level Ambang Merdeka celebration, which featured arts and cultural performances and appearances by artistes including Datuk Amy Search, Datuk Ziana Zain and Indonesian band ST12.
The crowd remained at the venue for the midnight countdown and fireworks display, attended by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh and his wife Datin Seri Zuriyah Abd Aziz, as well as state executive councillors and other state leaders.
Across the country, the celebrations offered a vivid reminder that National Day is more than an annual ceremony, bringing Malaysians together across generations and backgrounds to celebrate independence, national identity and a shared sense of belonging. - August 31, 2026
