THERE will be no large-scale Merdeka Day parade this year on August 31 but there will be small-scale events to celebrate Independence Day, says senior minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

“There is no authorisation for it. However, there will be other small scale events.  

“The gatherings are usually big… I believe that the gatherings will involve thousands of people.

“There will be no social distancing among participants and visitors during the parade,” he said at the ministry’s press conference in Putrajaya today.

Ismail Sabri said while they can control social distancing at the VIP areas, it will be difficult to control the large crowds attending the event. 

“It’s not only about the parade, but there will be other programmes for Merdeka Day.  

“For example, the launch of the ‘fly jalur gemilang’ event and other events such as the countdown.”

He added that Communications and Multimedia Minister Saifuddin Abdullah will announce the details for the smaller events.

“He (Saifuddin) will announce the standard operating procedures and what events can go on and what other programmes that can be done.” – July 8, 2020.