Thousands watch National Day rehearsal at Dataran Putrajaya ahead of Aug 31 parade

Putrajaya, August 28 — The anticipation for the 2026 National Day is palpable as throngs of people gather at Dataran Putrajaya to catch a glimpse of the preparations and rehearsals leading up to the grand parade on August 31. By 6:30 AM, the designated seats and nearby areas were already brimming with visitors eager to witness the lively pre-rehearsal parade, which featured security forces and the Rebana Ubi musical performance, contributing to the festive atmosphere.

Participants and attendees, as reported by Bernama, found the nearly two-hour parade rehearsal to be an essential platform to cultivate patriotism and foster a love for the nation, especially among the youth. For Royal Malaysian Navy officer Mohd Helmi Masuhudi, 38, who was part of the Jalur Gemilang flag-raising ceremony, taking part in this grand occasion was a profound honor.

"Representing the RMN at this significant event fills us with immense pride," he shared after concluding his role in the rehearsal. For 24-year-old Nur Alya Natasya Muhamad Solehin, her presence at the rehearsal was not just about the celebration itself but also to offer moral support to her father, who was actively involved in the parade.

"This is my first time attending the rehearsal, and despite bringing along my four-month-old baby, I am thrilled because my father is participating in this year's Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) contingent," she explained. Retired Siti Haidah Idris, 68, from Rembau, Negeri Sembilan, expressed her delight at witnessing the rehearsal live, highlighting a unique experience compared to watching it on television.

"This is the first time in my life that I have watched a rehearsal in person," she said. Customs officer Nurshazarina Abd Karim, 43, took advantage of her leave to spend time with her husband and four children, hoping to instill a spirit of patriotism in her children through the displays of assets and aerial performances. Hafizur Rahman Azzaharuddin, 27, a goods supplier who traveled from Kota Damansara with his wife and young child, admired the spirited and energetic performances, particularly the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) and Malaysian Army (TDM) contingents.

"It was definitely worth coming, even if it was just to watch the rehearsal," he remarked. For 26-year-old R. Tarishini, representing a dance troupe for the first time in the parade, the experience was unforgettable. She had the opportunity to showcase the beauty of the country's cultural arts before thousands of spectators while nurturing a spirit of unity and patriotism.

The rehearsal held today saw various parade contingents, cultural performances, and security asset displays undergoing final preparations to ensure the seamless execution of the National Day celebrations on August 31. The 69th National Day celebration, themed 'Malaysia MADANI: Kesejahteraan Dinikmati', will be held at Dataran Putrajaya, with over 80,000 visitors expected to attend.