KAJANG, Aug 30 — Stadium Kajang was filled with excitement as more than 20,000 visitors attended the 69th state-level National Day celebration tonight.
Various events lined up to enliven the celebration, including performances by local artistes, a march-past and parade by contingents, and a fireworks display as the grand finale.
The arrival of Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari and his wife Datin Seri Masdiana Muhamad at 9.30pm was warmly received before the event continued with a parachute display.
The display featured six VAT 69 Commando parachutists carrying the Malaysian flag, the Selangor flag, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) flag, the 69 Commando flag, and the Air Operations Force flag, descending from an altitude of 4,500 feet above sea level.
The event began with the singing of Negaraku and the Selangor state anthem, followed by opening performances by several invited artistes.
Visitors from all walks of life and different communities began arriving as early as 5pm, with many wearing Jalur Gemilang-themed attire to further heighten the patriotic atmosphere.
Among the highlights of tonight’s National Day celebration, themed 'Malaysia Madani, Kesejahteraan Dinikmati', was a march-past and parade involving 69 contingents comprising various government agencies, state and district departments, statutory bodies, private organisations, and uniformed bodies.
The parade also featured assets and vehicles belonging to uniformed forces, including the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department, and the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF).
Uniformed bodies also held special performances and various showcases to enliven the celebration.
The festivities were expected to continue with performances by local artistes including Datuk Ramli Sarip, Datuk Awie, Ukays, Wani Kayrie, Ahfad, Fiza Frizty, and Gerhana Ska Cinta.
As midnight approached, Amirudin led the Merdeka countdown and fireworks display as the celebration's highlight, followed by the presentation of parade prizes and a lighting show.
The celebration also featured the presentation of awards, including the Selangor State Independence Figure Award, as well as contributions to MAF and PDRM veterans.
