PUTRAJAYA: Tens of thousands of Malaysians of all ages and races gathered at Dataran Putrajaya today, filling the venue with patriotic fervour and festive cheer as they came together to celebrate National Day 2026.
The pride and excitement of Malaysians marking 69 years of the nation’s independence were evident on their faces, as people from near and far gathered along the parade route for the celebrations themed “Malaysia MADANI: Kesejahteraan Dinikmati”.
Putrajaya once again took centre stage as the national-level celebrations returned to the Federal Government’s administrative capital, which previously hosted the event in 2003, 2005, 2018, 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2025.
The much-anticipated National Day celebrations began with the arrival of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, at the royal stage at 7.53 am, greeted by the playing of the “Hormat Perdana” song.
All eyes turned to the royal stage at 8 am as Malaysia’s King and Queen, Their Majesties Sultan Ibrahim and Raja Zarith Sofiah, arrived for the National Day celebrations.
The ceremonial welcome took to the skies as five helicopters carrying the Jalur Gemilang performed a flypast upon Their Majesties’ arrival, accompanied by the playing of Negaraku and “Hormat Diraja”.
Also in attendance were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Cabinet ministers, including Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil, who is also chairman of the main committee for the 2026 National Day and Malaysia Day (HKHM) celebrations, as well as diplomats and foreign delegates.
Patriotism filled the air as the official ceremony began with the singing of Negaraku, followed by the raising of the Jalur Gemilang to a 14-gun salute symbolising the 14 states in Malaysia by the 41st Battery of the Royal Artillery Regiment (Ceremonial), led by Major Hafizan Mat Ghani.
The National Day celebrations took on a deeper sense of unity with the recitation of the Rukun Negara, led by Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Deputy Commissioner Datuk Abdul Razak Muda, alongside 69 JBPM ‘Red Heroes’ and sign language interpreter Nur Alyanatasha.
The spirit of independence surged with pride as Malaysians proudly raised their mini Jalur Gemilang when the sacred cry of “Merdeka” rang out seven times across Dataran Putrajaya following the Rukun Negara recitation.
The opening performance of ‘Gema Inovasi MADANI’ set the celebrations alight with its spectacular and spirited showcase of Malaysia’s rich heritage and cultural diversity, featuring 150 musical instruments and 700 traditional and innovative kompangs (hand drums).
Coordinated by the National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN), the performance reflected the spirit of MADANI in uplifting cultural heritage, innovation and unity, while symbolising well-being, harmony and goodwill.
The 2026 National Day parade and procession then took centre stage, bringing together 10,819 participants from 76 contingents, 22 marching bands, 11 decorated cars, 328 land, sea and air assets, 112 working animals and 22 electric vehicle (EV) assets, complemented by a human graphic performance on the terrace.
The spectacle continued with the 2026 National Day parade and procession, bringing together 10,819 participants from 76 contingents, 22 marching bands, 11 decorated cars, 328 land, sea and air assets, 112 working animals and 22 electric vehicle (EV) assets, complemented by a human graphic performance on the terrace.
Broadcast live on television and social media, the parade and procession highlighted key elements of nationhood, well-being, public order and national security, before moving on to an aerial performance and a special presentation of ‘Rentak MADANI, Paluan Tradisi’.
The parade opened with a performance by the Army Music Training Centre (PUZIDA) Band, comprising one officer and 45 members of other ranks, led by Captain Mohd Rizuan Mohd Ramzi.
A striking display of patriotism followed as 120 officers from the Military Training Academy, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM), representing the three branches of the land, sea and air services, carried a giant Jalur Gemilang across the main stage, led by Battalion Senior Junior Officer Muhammad Haiqal Mohd Yusoff.
This was followed by the Victoria Institution Band, St John’s Institution Band and the state flag-bearer team, as spectators stood and waved their small flags to the beat of the music.
Reflecting the well-being agenda under the MADANI Government initiative, the parade continued with the Civil Service Contingent, comprising 220 civil servants representing 29 government ministries and departments and various ethnic communities.
Led by Public Service Department (PSD) deputy director-general Datuk Mohd Shaiful Ibrahim, the contingent showcased the diversity of service sectors and backgrounds, including law enforcement personnel dedicated to serving the people.
The spirit of unity in diversity shone through the participation of 200 members of the Ministry of National Unity Contingent, comprising Malays, Chinese, Indians, Sabahans, Sarawakians, Orang Asli, Baba Nyonya, Cetti and Siamese, dressed in traditional attire and adorned with accessories symbolising their respective cultures and customs.
The Visit Malaysia 2026-2027 Contingent added a splash of colour to the parade, featuring 90 participants, four all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and decorated cars showcasing the state’s tourism icons, flora and fauna, costumes and traditional musical instruments of various communities.
The cheers and enthusiasm of spectators echoed around Dataran Putrajaya as the Sports Wellbeing Contingent crossed the main stage, featuring 100 participants including national athletes and medal winners of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, together with staff from the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS), embodying the spirit of ‘Celebrating Unity’ ahead of the 2027 SEA Games.
The parade took on a youthful spirit with the Education Wellbeing Contingent, featuring 100 students from primary schools to higher education institutions, while the Agriculture Wellbeing Contingent showcased modern agricultural assets including mini rice harvesters, agricultural drones, four-wheel tractors and electric vehicles.
The Digital Connectivity Cluster also captured attention with humanoid robots and decorated cars showcasing innovation, solar energy, artificial intelligence (AI) and 5G technology, reflecting the country’s technological progress and growing digital connectivity.
The segment drew further excitement with a decorated car featuring the cast of the film ‘Terbang’, followed by Upin & Ipin, who marked their 20th anniversary with a Les’ Copaque decorated car, drawing thunderous applause and highlighting the beloved characters’ role as national animation icons promoting Malaysia’s cultural identity globally. -BERNAMA
