Haze Fails to Stop 25,000 People Celebrating Independence in George Town

Nearly 25,000 people filled Padang Kota Lama in George Town for Penang’s National Day parade, despite earlier concerns that haze might prevent the event from going ahead.

Some visitors arrived with family and friends as early as 6 a.m. Foreign tourists also attended to record the state celebration marking Malaysia’s 69th independence anniversary.

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Hopefully, celebrations like this can continue to foster unity, harmony, well-being and a shared commitment to developing Penang.

The parade included 125 marching contingents and 9,152 participants from state and federal departments, agencies, statutory bodies, government-linked companies and non-governmental organizations. Another 29 contingents took part with 676 vehicles, including assets and machinery from the fire service, police and military.

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I was worried when I saw that the haze seemed to be getting worse because almost half of the Penang Bridge was not visible.

Penang Governor Tun Ramli Ngah Talib attended with his wife, Toh Puan Raja Noora Ashikin Raja Abdullah. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and other state leaders were also present.

Chow said the state government was relieved that the celebration ran smoothly and attracted an unusually large crowd despite the continuing haze. Organizers and the state government monitored weather conditions throughout the event. Visitor Safrina Ahmad Basri, 29, said she had worried during the journey after seeing haze obscure almost half of the Penang Bridge, but found clearer weather and sunshine when she reached Padang Kota Lama.

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However, I was grateful that as soon as I arrived at Padang Kota, the weather looked clear and the sun was shining, until I was sweating.