Malaysia’s King and Queen attend 2026 National Day celebrations

Malaysia’s 2026 National Day celebrations opened in Putrajaya with the attendance of King Sultan Ibrahim and Queen Raja Zarith Sofiah, who arrived at the royal dais at about 8 a.m.

The ceremony carried the theme “Malaysia Madani: Well-Being for All.” Five aircraft, including three EC725 helicopters, an AgustaWestland AW109 and an AW139 Maritime Operations Helicopter, flew past to the national anthem, Negaraku. The King then inspected the main guard of honour.

The flag-raising ceremony was accompanied by another performance of Negaraku and a 14-gun salute. A Rukun Negara pledge followed, led by Fire and Rescue Department deputy commissioner Abdul Razak Muda and joined by 69 members of the department.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, his wife Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, and Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi arrived before the main ceremony. The parade featured 76 contingents and 10,819 participants, along with 22 marching bands, 11 decorated vehicles, 328 land and maritime assets, and 112 animals in government service.

The celebrations also included aerial formations by the Royal Malaysian Air Force, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, the Royal Malaysia Police and the Fire and Rescue Department. Aircraft included SU-30MKM and Hawk fighter jets, A400M planes and several helicopter types. A traditional percussion performance and a special appearance by singer Faizal Tahir, who performed the theme song “I Promise,” were also scheduled.