PUTRAJAYA, Aug 24 (Bernama) -- The debut appearance of the Johor Military Force (JMF) is set to be one of the highlights of the 2026 National Day celebrations at Dataran Putrajaya on Aug 3.
Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said the JMF’s participation is among the new additions to this year’s celebrations, which will also feature more contingents and a parade of decorated vehicles.
“One of the new features this year is the participation of the JMF, which will take part with its assets and a 100-strong team,” he told reporters after observing a human graphics rehearsal here today.
Also present were Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching and Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah.
Fahmi said that, unlike in previous years, military and police assets would no longer be on stationary display along the parade route but would instead be placed in a designated area at the New Millennium Monument, allowing the public to view them up close.
In a related development, Fahmi, who also chairs the National Day and Malaysia Day (HKHM) 2026 Main Committee, said preparations at Dataran Putrajaya for the National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations had reached 70 per cent, with completion expected to rise to between 80 per cent and 90 per cent over the next few days.
He said final preparations are under way, including the installation of tiered seating structures and the preparation of the Royal Box.
On the human graphics performance, he said 1,500 students from 36 schools in Selangor had begun their first day of rehearsals at the venue.
“I can see that they are full of enthusiasm, and this is their first time at the venue.
“We will look at several aspects to ensure their comfort and make sure they are fully prepared for the performance by next Monday,” he said.
Fahmi said health concerns related to the haze are also being addressed, with standard operating procedures to be reviewed in collaboration with the Malaysian Meteorological Department and the Ministry of Health.
"I instructed during last week's main National Day celebration committee meeting that we must finalise the health-related protocols, and we will announce them in due course," he said.
To help the public travel to the celebrations, Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) services will run around the clock on Aug 30 and 31, Fahmi said.
Visitors will also be able to use a free water taxi service for the third year running, providing an alternative route into the administrative capital and a chance to enjoy the sights.
He added that various items, including food supplies and promotional goods, would also be handed out to participants and members of the public during the event.
-- BERNAMA