THE smoke blanketing most of the country has not affected the 2019 Malaysia Day celebrations today, with the national-level gathering on track to be held at Stadium Perpaduan in Kuching tonight.

Besides Kuching, celebrations were also held at the state and constituent levels, with carnivals and parades held nationwide since early morning.

In Kelantan, 67 contingents involving 2,345 participants took part in the Malaysia Day celebration at Stadium Sultan Muhammad IV in Kota Baru.

Involved in the parade, which started about 7.45am, were various agencies, including the armed forces, the Royal Malaysian Police, the Civil Defence Force and various state agencies.

Each contingent carried the Jalur Gemilang and state flags to celebrate the spirit of unity.

Also featured in the celebration in Kelantan was a pantomime by Kelab Jihad Putera Jeram Pasir Puteh, depicting the struggles of Haji Mohd Hassan Munas, better known as Tok Janggut, in his fight against the British occupation of Pasir Puteh.

The celebration was officiated by Deputy State Secretary (Management) Tengku Azmi Tengku Jaafar.

In Negri Sembilan, the DUN Sikamat Community Service Centre organised a Malaysia Day Carnival to celebrate the special day.

The programme, held at the Raja Melewar Teacher Education Institute beginning 7am, was aimed at attracting visitors of various races to celebrate Malaysia Day together.

At the carnival, Negri Sembilan Menteri Besar Aminuddin Harun took part in a 14km Merdeka Cycling Convoy with the people of Sikamat.

Other activities included hot-air-balloon rides, a fun run, entertainment shows featuring traditional dances and other fun-filled activities.

Also in Negri Sembilan, some 300 cyclists took part in a 16km Classic Bicycle Ride at Batu 8, Labu, Seremban, where participants wore various traditional costumes of multiracial Malaysia.

In Labuan, more than 6,500 people from all walks of life converged at Dataran Labuan to witness the 2019 Malaysia Day celebration.

More than 1, 500 folks participated in a parade witnessed by Federal Territories Minister Khalid Abdul Samad, Labuan MP Rozman Isli and other government officials.  

Featured in this year’s celebration was the Bunga Raya Fiesta procession involving 58 parade contingents comprising 1,473 kindergarten and pre-school children from all over Labuan. 

The theme for the 2019 National Day and Malaysia Day is “Sayangi Malaysiaku: Malaysia Bersih” (Love our Malaysia: A Clean Malaysia) to stress the importance of unity and patriotism for the well-being of the people and shared prosperity. – Bernama, September 16, 2019.