Giant Jalur Gemilang flag soars over Kuantan

A giant Malaysian flag opened in the sky above Kuantan as 18 Royal Malaysian Air Force special forces parachutists delivered one of the most prominent displays at the state’s 2026 National Day celebrations.

The Jalur Gemilang measured 4 by 6 meters and weighed eight kilograms. It was carried by parachutists who jumped from 6,000 feet using two AW139 helicopters from No. 3 Squadron at Butterworth Air Base, then unfurled at about 4,000 feet above Padang Majlis Bandaraya Kuantan 4.

The jump was led by Paskau commanding officer Colonel Muhammad Mustafa Omar. Air Master Sergeant Muhamad Firdaus Minhat also took part, bringing experience from 553 parachute jumps. More than 20,000 spectators cheered as the flag spread across the sky.

The performance is expected to be recognized by the Malaysian Book of Records as the largest Jalur Gemilang flown from the air. The event presented the flag’s descent from the sky to the ground as a symbol of Malaysian pride and patriotism.

The celebrations also included a flypast by six Sukhoi Su-30MKM fighter aircraft from No. 12 Squadron at Gong Kedak Air Base. Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, Tengku Ampuan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah and the Crown Prince of Pahang Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah attended, alongside state leaders. The parade lasted more than two hours and included 87 marching contingents and 63 vehicle contingents.