Malaysia's 67th Merdeka: Grand Celebration of Independence

Merdeka 2024 Parade Highlights

• The Grand National Day 2024 celebration will be held at Dataran Putrajaya.
• Over 17,000 participants, 59 contingents, 24 marching bands, and 439 military assets will be involved.
• The Malaysian Madani Community Contingent, led by the National Unity Ministry, is the longest in the parade with 800 participants.
• Seven main components in the parade include Wellbeing and Security, Nationhood, Kembara Merdeka Jalur Gemilang (KMJG), GLC and GLIC, Creative Industry and Broadcasting, and National Sports.
• The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) parade will be led by Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain for the first time.
• The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) will perform an air show featuring Sukhoi SU-30s, F/A-18D Hornets, and Hawk MK 208 jets.
• 250 Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) members will present a high-energy, unarmed combat performance.

Historical Significance and Theme

• August 31 marks Malaysia's independence from British rule, achieved in 1957.
• The iconic Merdeka Square in Kuala Lumpur was the heart of the original independence celebrations.
• The theme for 2024 is "Malaysia Madani: Jiwa Merdeka," symbolizing unity and diversity.
• The efforts for independence were led by the first Malaysian prime minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman.
• The Malayan Emergency and the Treaty of London 1956 were crucial events leading to independence.
• In 1963, the Federation of Malaysia was officially declared, including Malaya, North Borneo, Sarawak, and Singapore.

Nationwide Celebrations and Activities

• Celebrations start weeks ahead of August 31, with numerous programs and events.
• The Kembara Merdeka Jalur Gemilang (KMJG) convoy has traveled 8,551km with 162 stops across Malaysia.
• Kuala Lumpur's Petronas Towers will be illuminated with Malaysian flag colors.
• Various activities include parades, flower shows, and even glamping in a stadium.
• Citizens are encouraged to decorate homes and vehicles with flags.
• Neighborhood decorating competitions are common.
• Cultural events include national speech competitions, Merdeka poetry contests, and photography competitions.

Parade Details and Fun Facts

• The parade will begin at 7am on August 31, 2024, at Dataran Perbadanan Putrajaya.
• This is the second consecutive year the parade is held in Putrajaya since 2023.
• The parade route starts from Persiaran Perdana in Precinct 3 and ends at the Putra Mosque.
• Previous parade locations include Kuching (Sarawak) in 1993 and 2006, and Georgetown (Penang) in 1998.
• Interesting facts about Malaysia's national anthem:
  • It was chosen through a worldwide competition with 512 entries.
  • The melody is based on the Perak State anthem.
  • It has been rearranged and exists in two versions (full and short).