Two young sisters dressed in navy-style uniforms garnered attention during the state-level National Day parade held at Padang Kota Lama in George Town. Seven-year-old Nur Sakeena Zinnirah Muhamad Munawar Fitree and her five-year-old sister, Nur Inara Sofeea Muhamad Munawar Fitree, enthusiastically waved the Jalur Gemilang flag and saluted passing contingents on Tuesday.

Their father, Lieutenant Commander Muhamad Munawar Fitree Mat Kilau, 37, emphasized the importance of cultivating patriotism and national pride from an early age. He said the event served as an opportunity to teach his daughters the significance of serving the country beyond donning a uniform, highlighting unity and respect among Malaysia’s diverse communities. Muhamad Munawar Fitree attended the celebration with his wife, Puteri Athirah Megat Yusoff, 32, and their youngest daughter, Nur Alayna Tasneem, two.

Among the crowd was 20-year-old Oong Min Qi, who was present to support her elder brother performing with the marching band. She and her father, Oong Chiang Lor, 61, traveled to the venue by motorcycle to avoid heavy traffic. Oong remarked on the diversity of attendees and expressed pride in witnessing a strong sense of patriotism uniting different ethnic groups.

The parade featured participation from 125 groups and 29 vehicle contingents, totaling 9,059 participants. Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ramli Ngah Talib returned salutes as contingents passed by, with the guard of honour provided by the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment, which included three officers and 103 other ranks.

Enhancing the event’s visual impact were fly-pasts by aircraft and helicopters, along with a display of two AV8 Gempita 8x8 armoured vehicles. The Penang Civil Defence Force showcased its latest remote-controlled, self-propelled lifebuoy designed to assist distressed swimmers without risking the safety of rescuers in the water.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow highlighted the role of all participants in enlivening the celebration while promoting unity and harmony. Meanwhile, state tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai pointed to the heritage contingent’s presentation of eight intangible cultural traditions, including kebaya, Chingay, lion dance, Silat Siku 12, silambam, boria, batik, and Nyonya beaded shoes.

Wong noted standout elements such as lion dance costumes crafted from batik fabric and a Chingay flag inspired by kebaya designs, demonstrating how Malaysia’s various cultural traditions could be integrated and celebrated collectively.