Crowds gathering at Dataran Putrajaya for the National Day 2023 parade despite the downpour early Thursday morning. — RAJA FAISAL HISHAN / The Star
PUTRAJAYA: The downpour early Thursday (Aug 31) morning did not stop the crowds from gathering in Dataran Putrajaya here to witness Malaysia’s 66th National Day parade here.
With the crowds growing as early as 2am Thursday morning, many were also seen carrying the Jalur Gemilang and donning national themed colours to the parade.
Engineer CK Wong, 38, said he arrived at about 5am to make sure that he got the perfect spot to witness the grand event.
“I thought I was early but was surprised to see large crowds already gathered,” he said when met.
Student Wan Zuhair, 28, said it was his second time attending the celebrations, with his first being last year.
“I’m most looking forward to seeing the armed forces marching past,” he said.
R. Divya, 34, said she came together with her family to watch the celebrations this year.
“I’m eagerly waiting to see the parade! I saw how great it was last year from the social media. I want to witness it in person this year,” she said.
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah is expected to arrive at 8am.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, meanwhile, is expected to arrive at about 7.45am.
Some 100,000 people are expected to be at the Dataran Putrajaya for the parade.
