Over 100,000 Turn Out for 2026 National Day Celebration in Putrajaya, Exceeding Target

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 31 — More than 100,000 people attended the 2026 National Day celebration at Dataran Putrajaya today, surpassing the initial target of 80,000 visitors, according to Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil.

Fahmi, who serves as chairman of the 2026 National Day and Malaysia Day (HKHM) Main Committee, said all event preparations proceeded smoothly according to schedule without any untoward incidents, aided by favorable weather conditions throughout the morning. Speaking to reporters following the event, he expressed gratitude to attendees who traveled from across the country—including regions such as Sandakan, Johor Bahru, and Jeli—to join the national celebration.

The minister attributed the seamless execution of the event to close inter-agency cooperation among bodies such as the Department of Environment (DOE), the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), and the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA). These agencies actively monitored atmospheric conditions and remained on standby to conduct cloud seeding operations if necessary, ensuring optimal conditions for public participation in post-parade activities such as the defense asset exhibition at Anjung Floria and the Riuh Merdeka showcase at Monumen Alaf Baru.

Under the theme “Malaysia MADANI: Kesejahteraan Dinikmati”, the 69th National Day parade featured 10,819 participants spanning 76 contingents, 22 marching bands, and 11 decorated float vehicles representing government agencies, security forces, corporate entities, and academic institutions. The procession also marked debut parade appearances for the Royal Johor Military Force, the SEA Games 2027 contingent, and the Orange Economy Sustainability cluster contingent.

Cultural and artistic segments highlighted the national showcase, including the “Gema Inovasi MADANI” percussion performance involving 150 percussionists and 1,500 human graphic display participants. Following a flypast by Royal Malaysian Air Force fighter jets, transport aircraft, and helicopters, the celebration concluded with the “Rentak MADANI, Paluan Tradisi” performance featuring 2,350 participants, bringing the national event to a close.

–NMT