IPOH: The state-level National Day celebration will go on as usual tomorrow despite heavy rains and strong winds ripped off the venue at Stadium Perak here, this evening.
Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said the strong winds blew away all the canopies and tents at the venue, but the management has replaced them.
"The preparation has been made since a week ago, but due to strong winds and heavy rains this evening, all the tents and canopies were blown away.
"However, with the high spirit and commitment of all people including from various agencies such as the police and state Public Works Department, they are currently re-setting up the new canopies and tents.
"God willing, it can be completed by tonight and tomorrow, we are going to celebrate our National Day as scheduled. The Merdeka spirit must exist.
"So to all Perakian, don't worry, please come and celebrate our National Day tomorrow here to show our patriotism even though there are obstacles like this, it should not weaken our spirit," he told reporters after visiting Stadium Perak here.
When asked how bad the damage was, Saarani said it could not be ascertained at the moment but all the canopies and tents had been blown away.
"There is no damage at the main stage, only the carpet is a bit wet but we can vacuum that. At the moment, we only replace the affected tents," he said.
The strong winds also blew away the main stage's backdrop, chairs and some other canopies placed for the VIP seating.
Strong winds and thunderstorms which lasted an hour since 4.30pm, also uprooted dozens of trees near the venue.
Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah is expected to attend the celebration at 8.15am tomorrow.