SHAH ALAM, Aug 30 — Some 100,000 Kajang satay skewers have been prepared as one of the main attractions at the state-level 69th National Day Celebration at Dataran MPKj @ Stadium Kajang tonight.
The city’s iconic dish is part of the celebration, which will also feature performances by local artistes, a parade, a food bazaar, and various interactive activities for visitors.
Tourism Selangor chief executive officer Chua Yee Ling said the selection of Kajang as this year’s celebration venue provided an opportunity to showcase the district’s identity and uniqueness, particularly in terms of gastronomy and tourism.
“When you come to Kajang, there must be satay. Our organising committee has prepared more than 100,000 Kajang satay skewers, so you must come and try them,” she said on the 'Bicara Semasa' programme produced by Media Selangor recently.
Holding the celebration in Kajang also continues the approach of taking the event to different districts, after it was previously held at Dataran Kemerdekaan Shah Alam.
It also offers advantages in highway and public transport connectivity, while serving as a gateway to Hulu Langat, which offers various ecotourism, agrotourism, and camping activities.
More than 30,000 visitors expected
Chua added that over 30,000 visitors are expected to attend the celebration, which involves collaboration between various government agencies, the private sector, and the local community.
Traffic coordination is among the key priorities to ensure smooth movement of visitors to the celebration venue.
Parade and performance rehearsals have also been held as final preparations for the event.
She said the celebration is not merely an entertainment event, but also an opportunity to bring together people from different backgrounds to collectively embrace the spirit of independence.
“Although everyone comes from different backgrounds and we are of different religions and races, we can come together and enjoy the life we have today.
“Every Merdeka Eve, we can gather peacefully and create wonderful memories together,” Chua said.
Awie, Ramli Sarip to rock the stage
The festivities will also feature performances by local artistes, including Datuk Awie and Datuk Ramli Sarip.
Wani Kayrie, Ukays, and Gerhana Skacinta are also scheduled to perform, alongside traditional dance performances by the Selangor Malay Customs and Heritage Corporation.
44 contingents will take part in the parade, one of the celebration's main events.
Visitors can also enjoy a performance by the Subang Jaya City Council City Band, as well as visit the food bazaar, food trucks, exhibitions, and various interactive activities.
The food bazaar and food trucks will begin operating as early as 4pm, while the stage programme officially starts at 8pm.
Merdeka celebration to boost local economy
The celebration in Kajang is also expected to generate economic spillover for local traders, entrepreneurs, and tourism industry players.
She noted that large-scale events can stimulate economic activity through visitor spending at food bazaars, business premises, transport services, and tourism products.
“Whenever we organise a large-scale festival or programme, it will certainly benefit the local economy.
“We expect this Merdeka Eve programme to generate economic benefits for traders participating in the food bazaar, as well as tourism packages that benefit industry players,” Chua said.
Tourism Selangor is also working with travel agents to provide packages around Kajang, while encouraging visitors to continue their journey to other destinations, particularly in Hulu Langat.
She said this approach is in line with efforts to make large-scale events one of the drivers of domestic tourism in Selangor.
Visitors are also encouraged to explore Kajang town centre and support local businesses while in the area.
Take MRT to avoid congestion around stadium
Members of the public attending the celebration are encouraged to use public transport, particularly the Mass Rapid Transit, to reduce congestion around Kajang Stadium.
Chua said the nearby MRT station makes it convenient for visitors to reach the celebration venue without relying entirely on private vehicles.
“We strongly encourage everyone to use public transport. The MRT station is close to the stadium, so we urge everyone to take the MRT to come to Stadium Kajang,” she said.
For visitors who choose to drive, parking is available in nearby areas, while the police and Volunteer Corps Department will also work together to help ensure smooth traffic flow.
The organisers have also prepared a contingency plan in the event of bad weather to ensure the programme can continue. As such, the public are advised to prepare for the weather, including bringing umbrellas or raincoats.
The state-level 69th National Day Celebration will be held at Dataran MPKj @ Stadium Kajang today, with the public encouraged to arrive early to enjoy the full programme.
