PEOPLE are encouraged to wear batik during the National Day celebrations on August 31 at Dataran Putrajaya, Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil said.

He said this would not only enliven this year’s celebrations, themed “Malaysia Madani: Tekad Perpaduan, Penuhi Harapan”, but also be a strong show of support for the local batik industry.

“We want to promote and highlight the batik clothing and fashion as this is something all Malaysians should be proud of,” he told reporters after inspecting preparations for the National Day celebrations in Putrajaya today.

Earlier this week, it was reported that the National Day celebrations at Dataran Putrajaya are set to be a vibrant affair as more than 400 pairs of Malaysian batik attire would be donned by ministers, VIP guests and secretariat members at the event.

Fahmi, who is the National Day and Malaysia Day celebration main committee chairman, said preparations for the event were going smoothly.

“So far, I am satisfied with the preparations. The main tent has been installed and there are still some other pieces of equipment (that need to be completed). Now, we are looking into issues of timing and will make adjustments where necessary because we have tight windows due to flight issues,” he said.

Fahmi said several cell-on-wheels vehicles from telecommunication service providers would be stationed around Dataran Putrajaya to ensure smooth internet coverage.

“I have instructed the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to look into the matter and do the needful with regard to equipment to ensure there is no telecommunication disruption on that day,” he said.

Fahmi urged all stakeholders, including media personnel, to test the internet coverage and telecommunication signals of their lines on the dress rehearsal day on August 29.

“We don’t want any problems to affect the work of the personnel involved,” he said. – Bernama, August 26, 2023.