Thousands gather in Putrajaya for Malaysia's National Day rehearsal

Putrajaya buzzed with anticipation as thousands of Malaysians flocked to the Dataran Putrajaya early Saturday morning, camping out to witness the full rehearsal for the 2026 National Day celebration. The crowd began gathering before dawn, with many arriving as early as 5 a.m. to secure vantage points for the rehearsal, which commenced around 8 a.m.

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Like every year, the National Day celebration is very festive, and Putrajaya is always crowded, so I took the opportunity to come today.

The vibrant atmosphere underscored the enduring public appeal of the National Day celebrations. Spectators were treated to a preview of the main event, which includes impressive parades by uniformed contingents and thrilling aerial performances. The enthusiasm demonstrated by the attendees highlights a strong sense of national pride and a desire to experience the festivities firsthand.

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The performances were very amazing, which made me decide to come again on Monday.

Many attendees, like Asrina Barudin, 40, chose to attend the rehearsal to avoid the crowds expected on the actual National Day. "Like every year, the National Day celebration is very festive, and Putrajaya is always crowded, so I took the opportunity to come today," she said. Barudin added that the performances were so spectacular that she planned to attend the actual celebration as well.

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We came early today. If we come on August 31, we might not see clearly because there are too many people, so we came to see it today first.

Siti Shafikah Md Daud, 40, from Puchong, described watching the parade live as a different experience compared to viewing it on television. She arrived with her family at 7 a.m. to ensure a clear view. "We came early today. If we come on August 31, we might not see clearly because there are too many people, so we came to see it today first," she explained. The roar of aircraft engines and the cheers of the crowd during the aerial display were particularly exciting for her, offering a sensory experience far beyond what television can provide.

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The aerial show was the most attractive part because before this I only watched such actions through television.