PUTRAJAYA: Putrajaya will burst into colour and pageantry this Aug 31 as Malaysia marks National Day 2025 with a celebration featuring parades, performances and community festivities to unite the nation in patriotism.
The celebrations begin on Aug 30 with Riuh Merdeka, a festival of entertainment and togetherness.
From noon until the next day, visitors can enjoy 20 live performances by local artistes, an open-air film screening and a feast from 60 food trucks at the Monumen Alaf Baru in Precinct 2.
But the highlight comes at dawn on National Day itself, says Information Department (JaPen) director-general Julina Johan.
“By 7am, leaders will gather to welcome His Majesty Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, whose arrival will mark the start of the official ceremony,” she told reporters at a media briefing on the National Day and Malaysia Day (HKHM) 2025 celebrations here today.
She said a recital of the Rukun Negara pledge and a thunderous 14-gun salute will set the tone before a parade of impressive scale and colour takes centre stage.
Julina said more than 14,000 participants, including students, uniformed personnel, non-governmental organisations and private groups, would march along the 2.1km route from Dataran Putra.
The spectacle, she said, would also feature 78 vehicles, seven decorated floats, 116 animals and the rousing sounds of 21 marching bands.
This year’s preparations, she added, were designed to make the event more accessible and comfortable for the public.
“A total of 15,000 parking spaces have been set aside across nearby precincts, with free transport on 100 shuttle buses and six water taxis operating on Putrajaya Lake.
“Spectator seating has been doubled to 8,000, supported by 12 giant LED screens, 18 medical tents, five surau and over 200 portable toilets.
“The idea is to ensure every Malaysian who attends can truly feel part of the moment — whether standing along the parade route or watching from the festival grounds,” Julina said.
The celebrations extend beyond the parade. The nationwide Jualan Rahmah Merdeka Madani campaign, starting Aug 15 , will keep basic goods affordable in the run-up to Merdeka, while the ongoing #BersamaMalaysia campaign urges Malaysians to reflect on the meaning of independence.
A full dress rehearsal on Aug 29 will also be open to the public.
Julina, however, advised visitors to plan ahead, as road closures across Putrajaya would be enforced from 10pm on Aug 29 until 6pm on National Day.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
