PUTRAJAYA: Eager Malaysians began gathering at Dataran Putrajaya as early as midnight to secure the best spots for the 2024 National Day parade.
Farhan Ismail, 26, from Johor and his group of friends were among the early birds, determined to experience the celebration up close rather than from the comfort of their homes.
"We got here around midnight. Traffic was a bit of a challenge — everyone seemed to be heading to Putrajaya, and Google Maps not registering some of the road closures.
"But that just shows how excited everyone is for this day," he spoke to the New Straits Times.
Despite the early start, Farhan and his friends made the most of the hours leading up to the parade.
"We wandered around Dataran Putrajaya, grabbing snacks from the food trucks and soaking in the atmosphere while waiting for everyone to be seated."
With a family background of law enforcers, Farhan said he is most excited to see the national security contingent in the parade.
This year's National Day celebrations is themed 'Malaysia Madani: Jiwa Merdeka', reflecting the spirit of unity and independence.
The event will feature an estimated 17,000 participants, including 57 contingents, 25 marching bands, 112 live assets, and 479 national assets, alongside an aerial display.
A 30-minute performance involving thousands of participants in a large-scale choreographed dance will also add a vibrant touch to the day's festivities.
Putrajaya, the country's administrative centre, was once again the chosen venue for the National Day celebrations, marking the sixth time it has hosted the event after previous celebrations in 2003, 2005, 2018, 2019, and 2023.
As the night turned into dawn, the crowd grew larger, their enthusiasm undiminished despite the long wait.
The celebration officially began at 7am, and the energy was a sign of pride and unity felt by every Malaysian present.
The eve of the 2024 National Day saw fireworks displays at several locations accompanied by cries of 'Merdeka' by Malaysians who gathered to mark the country's National Day.
Meanwhile, food vendor Ruhayah Abu Bakar, 63, from Terengganu said Putrajaya never fails to attract huge crowds every time it is chosen to host the celebration.
Ruhayah has stayed here since 2002 and began her job as a food vendor 11 years ago.
"I have stayed here (Putrajaya) since 2002 and began selling food 11 years ago. The celebration will always attract a large crowd.
"I am grateful for it because they would visit my stall for snacks and drinks. I can say that this year is as lively, if not, even more than last year.
"If there's time, I will go take a peek at the parade. But this is a cheerful energy indeed," she said.