Bright colours: People parading in traditional costumes in Putrajaya. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
PUTRAJAYA: Among a sea of some 100,000 attendees at the National Day celebration, some stood out with their traditional clothing and unique attire.
With a blend of colours and outfits, it was a dazzling showcase of patriotism and unity amid the cultural diversity.
Live host Nur Faiqah Balqis, who appeared in Orang Ulu traditional wear, attended the parade for the first time with her friend Nur Azyan Azrain and her husband Handri Saznayne.
Their colourful clothes attracted the attention of many, who stopped to take photos with them.
“I like to be special and show off my cultural look,” she beamed, adding that she owns three sets of traditional garments.
She lent her Bidayuh outfit to Nur Azyan Azrain, who happily donned the Sarawakian native’s attire.
“It’s interesting to put this on, and I get to know another culture better,” said Nur Azyan.
Handicrafts seller Jeremy Lim was suitably dressed in his traditional Baba outfit, in keeping with his Penang Peranakan heritage.
“As a Malaysian, Merdeka is one of the most important days and I feel an obligation to attend the parade.
“I wish to show my Baba heritage and our rich culture through my attire,” said the 22-year-old.
Trusty sidekicks: Some of the Fire and Rescue Department animals taking part in the parade. — Bernama
Lim said that this was his third parade, adding that he particularly enjoyed seeing the Malaysia Madani Community Contingent, which displayed all the diverse cultures of the country.
University student Amirul Iman, 25, matched his baju melayu with traditional headgear at the event.
“I am really excited to be here. I wore traditional clothing today to keep the Malay culture alive and promote unity,” he said.
Civil servant Suwaibah Said’s two children, aged six and eight, looked adorable in their mini soldier outfits.
The elder child, who said he aspired to be a soldier, came complete with a mini Ghillie suit.
(From left) Jeremy Lim, Nur Faiqah Balqis, Nur Azyan Azrain and Handri Saznayne, all adorned in beautiful traditional wear for Merdeka celebrations yesterday - LAY PHON/THE STAR
“Very early on my two kids had asked to dress up for the Merdeka parade, so we got the costumes for them,” their 38-year-old mum said with a smile.
Foreigners too did not miss out on the spectacle and excitement.
Japanese Suzu Kono, 21, said it was amazing to see the patriotic spirit in Malaysia.
“I’ve never seen this before; we don’t have celebrations for the country of this scale back home,” she said.
Kono and her friend, Pari Matsuura, 22, said they sampled local food and drinks sold along the boulevard of the parade venue.
“The atmosphere here is fantastic,” said Matsuura.
