PUTRAJAYA: Eager Malaysians began gathering at Dataran Putrajaya as early as midnight, vying for the best spots to witness the 2024 National Day parade up close.
Farhan Ismail, 26, from Johor, along with his group of friends, were among the first to arrive, determined to experience the celebration first hand rather than watching from home.
"We arrived around midnight. Traffic was challenging – everyone seemed to be heading to Putrajaya, and some road closures weren't reflected on Google Maps. But that just shows how excited everyone is for this day," he told the New Straits Times.
Despite the early start, Farhan and his friends made the most of their wait.
"We wandered around Dataran Putrajaya, grabbing snacks from food trucks and soaking in the atmosphere while waiting for everyone to be seated."
Coming from a family of law enforcers, Farhan was particularly excited to see the national security contingent in the parade.
This year's National Day celebrations, themed "Malaysia Madani: Jiwa Merdeka," embody the spirit of unity and independence.
The event features an estimated 17,000 participants, including 57 contingents, 25 marching bands, 112 live assets, and 479 national assets, along with a spectacular aerial display.
A 30-minute choreographed performance involving thousands of participants will add a vibrant touch to the day's festivities.
Putrajaya, the Federal Government's administrative centre, was once again chosen as the venue for the National Day celebrations, marking the sixth time it has hosted the event, following previous celebrations in 2003, 2005, 2018, 2019, and 2023.
As night turned into dawn, the crowd continued to swell, their enthusiasm undimmed by the long wait.
The celebration officially began at 7am, a powerful display of national pride and unity.
The eve of the 2024 National Day was marked by fireworks displays at several locations, with cries of "Merdeka" ringing out from Malaysians gathered to celebrate the country's National Day.
Food vendor Ruhayah Abu Bakar, 63, from Terengganu, said that Putrajaya never fails to draw massive crowds whenever it hosts the celebration.
Having lived here since 2002 and worked as a food vendor for 11 years, she appreciated the influx of visitors.
"I've lived here in Putrajaya since 2002 and started selling food 11 years ago. The celebration always attracts a large crowd, which I'm grateful for because they visit my stall for snacks and drinks. I'd say this year's crowd is just as lively, if not more so, than last year's. If I find the time, I'll sneak a peek at the parade. The energy here is truly joyful," she said.