CJMY
As the nation readies itself to celebrate the remarkable 66th Independence Day, the much-awaited Merdeka Parade is poised to paint the streets of Putrajaya with a vibrant tapestry of patriotism and unity.
This annual extravaganza, an embodiment of national pride and fervor, promises to be an event of unparalleled grandeur, drawing a projected crowd of over 100,000 attendees from all corners of the country.
Steering the parade’s narrative is the resounding theme, “Malaysia Madani: Tekad Perpaduan, Penuhi Harapan“. This thematic compass guides the parade’s ethos, mirroring the aspirations of a nation resolved to stand united and hopeful as it embarks on its journey towards a brighter future.
Merdeka Parade highlights
The procession is structured into ten components, each representing a distinct facet of the nation, ranging from Nationhood, Unity, Malaysia Madani, Economy, Banking, Telecommunication, Creative Industry, Community, National Sports and National Welfare and Security.
An impressive lineup of around 17,000 participants, including civil service members and local entertainers, will take part in the parade. Notable performers such as Nadeera Zaini, Suki Low, Roshini Balachandran, and Zizi Kirana are set to grace the event.
Communications and Digital Ministry senior undersecretary (management) Mazlan Abd Mutalib said 30 marching bands involving schools, departments and the armed forces would enliven the National Day 2023 celebration.
He also said that visitors would also witness a skydiving performance of six VAT69 commandos carrying the Jalur Gemilang flag that will land right in front of the Palace of Justice within six minutes.
Getting to Putrajaya and spectators viewing zones
Newly appointed Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Allaudeen Abdul Majid said twenty two roads in and around Putrajaya will be cordoned off by police for the celebration on August 31.
The road closures will start as early as 5am up to 11am to make way for the national parade, thus visitors are encouraged to use public transportation or come early to find good parking and viewing spots.
He advised the public to use the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and Express Rail Link (ERL) services to attend the celebration.
Rapid KL has announced that operations service hours will begin at 4:00 AM for LRT, MRT, or ERL with the final stop will be at Putrajaya Sentral. Shuttle services offered by both RapidKL and Nadiputra Bus will then take spectators from Putrajaya Sentral to Dataran Putrajaya.
To accommodate those who will be watching the fireworks display on the eve of Merdeka Day, public transport operator RapidKL will be extending their service hours until 2:00 AM.
Various viewing zones offer different perspectives of the parade:
- Zone One: Contingents assemble from the Galleria building to the Gemilang Roundabout.
- Zone Two: Dataran Putrajaya hosts the Royal box, main stage, and a giant LED screen.
- Zone Three: The Anjung Floria site in Precinct 4 houses military assets before the parade.
- Zone Four: Near McDonald’s, this zone accommodates horses and Armed Forces’ artillery.
- Zone Five: Along Persiaran Perdana, this area provides seating, medical tents, and screens.
Please note that drones are not permitted to fly over the parade route.
Citizen’s Journal would like to take this opportunity to wish all our readers Selamat Hari Merdeka!
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