PUTRAJAYA, Aug 31: More than 100,000 people joined in the country’s 66th National Day celebration held at the Dataran Putrajaya here today, said Minister of Communications and Digital Fahmi Fadzil.
The attendees came from all over the country and some came as early as Wednesday night to witness the National Day parade and march-past, he said.
The King, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Queen, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah as well as Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and several Cabinet members were also among the early to arrive at the celebration this morning.
The strong crowd added gaiety and colour to the celebration, he said. Adding that it was his first time involvement in organising the celebration together with the Chief Secretary to the Government, he also thanked the organising team for having worked hard to ensure the success of the event.
The minister also expressed joy at the surprise turn of event, when Their Majesties, the King and Queen went on ground to greet the crowd of people.
It was not in the agenda but it was a pleasant surprise, he said.
Preparations for the National Day celebration began as early as February, Fahmi said during a press conference following the celebration that was streamed live by Astro Awani.
Among others, the government also organised free transportation from the Putrajaya Sentral to make it convenient for the public to join in the celebration.
A total of 17,000 people were also involved in the parade and march-past events.
–WE