Sixty-five personnel from the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) underwent an intensive two-month training program to prepare for the state-level National Day parade, ultimately securing two awards in the Public Service Agency category. Under the guidance of Armed Forces instructors, the contingent refined their marching discipline, precision, and synchronization at Padang Kota Lama.
The MBPP team captured both the Best Marching Contingent and Best Costume Design awards during the Malaysia Day celebration held at Dewan Millenium in Kepala Batas. Contingent captain Zulkifli Ismail, 53, who has been with the council for 25 years, noted that the training regimen was demanding but necessary to achieve success. This marks the third time the council has won the marching title and the third occasion for the Best Costume Design accolade during his tenure.
The contingent’s costumes featured traditional attire incorporating a maroon-and-pink floral batik motif inspired by Teluk Bahang, reflecting Penang’s natural landscape and cultural identity. The design, created by a council employee, was worn as sampin for the men and baju kurung for the women.
Other recognitions at the event included Penang Chinese Girls' High School winning the Best Uniformed Body category and the Penang Teacher Education Institute receiving the award for Marching Band. Universiti Teknologi Mara Penang Branch took home the honor in the Higher Education and Training Institution category, while St John Ambulance of Malaysia Penang Branch was recognized in the Private Sector category.
The ceremony was attended by Penang Governor Tun Ramli Ngah Talib and his consort Toh Puan Raja Noora Ashikin Raja Abdullah, as well as Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow. During the event, Chow highlighted the state’s economic progress, noting that Penang recorded RM17.3 billion in approved manufacturing investments in the first half of 2026. This represents a 38% increase from the same period last year and accounts for 34% of the national total. He emphasized the potential of these investments to generate quality jobs, increase wages, support local businesses, facilitate technology transfer, and improve living standards for residents.