Merdeka Day parade to proceed if clear skies remain

With tails wagging and hooves trotting, the animal contingent for the National Day parade has been rigorously trained and acclimatised. Twenty-five dogs from the Military Dog Wing, also known as the Wolf Wing, and 25 horses from the army's Ceremonial Cavalry Squadron will participate in the parade. As the canine and mounted contingents near the final stages of preparation, their handlers express confidence that the animals are ready to showcase their skills alongside their human counterparts in the upcoming parade.

Captain Duin Tat of the Wolf Wing explained that the 25-handler and 25-dog contingent had undergone approximately a month of preparation at the Army Combat Training Centre in Johor before arriving for final rehearsals. Their primary focus is on the health and readiness of both the handlers and the dogs, ensuring they remain 100 per cent healthy for deployment.

Daily temperature and health checks under 24-hour veterinary supervision are conducted to maintain this standard. Each dog possesses a unique temperament, with some pulling ahead while others hesitate to move, necessitating strict control during rehearsals to prevent disruptions. Both heat and haze pose challenges during preparation, prompting the unit to follow veterinary guidance to keep the dogs hydrated and healthy.

Captain Duin Tat highlighted the rewarding aspect of bonding between handlers and their canine counterparts, as they adjust to each dog's temperament. Corporal Jhonny Mansiang, who will participate in the parade for the first time, noted that the parade's duration is roughly 20 to 30 minutes, but the handlers and dogs may spend around an hour waiting for their turn to march during rehearsals.

Meanwhile, Staff Sergeant Mustakim Marhan Musa, who has served in the Ceremonial Cavalry Squadron for 18 years, explained that the 25-horse contingent, which includes two backup horses, started preparation about a month prior to the parade. Initial rehearsals initially startled some horses, but they became more composed by the second and third sessions.

Controlling the animals becomes challenging when they move from the stables to the parade area, where they will encounter crowds and aircraft. Loud noises from fighter jets, helicopters, and the crowd can cause horses to panic, requiring handlers to work diligently to keep them calm. Corporal Mohd Shahrul Azmer Ishak, a rider and groomer with the unit for six years, expressed pride in participating in the National Day parade for the sixth time.

He emphasised that it is a privilege to showcase the unit's assets to the public and pique their interest in the armed forces.