More than 30,000 throng Negri National Day celebration
More than 30,000 people gathered at Dataran Majlis Bandaraya Seremban on Monday, August 31, to mark Negeri Sembilan’s National Day celebration for 2026.
Source: The Star Malaysia · August 31, 2026 at 7:04 AM · AI-assisted report
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SEREMBAN, 31 AUGUST 2026 —
More than 30,000 people gathered at Dataran Majlis Bandaraya Seremban on Monday, August 31, to mark Negeri Sembilan’s National Day celebration for 2026.
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State chief minister Datuk Ismail Lasim said the crowd, which began arriving before 5.30 a.m., reflected strong patriotic sentiment. “The turnout clearly shows their enthusiasm in celebrating National Day this year. Some people I spoke to told me they arrived as early as 5.30 am, which shows their strong love for the country and that they were pleased with the performances,” he told reporters.
Ismail added that the parade featured fewer contingents and assets than in previous years because officials feared prolonged exposure to haze could affect the public, although conditions on the day were “good”. The Yang di‑Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, and Tunku Ampuan Besar Tuanku Aishah Rohani Tengku Besar Mahmud arrived at about 8.20 a.m. and were received by the chief minister.
Eighty‑two contingents comprising more than 4,000 participants took part in the procession. The line‑up included government departments and agencies, statutory bodies, district administrations, non‑governmental organisations, schools, higher‑education institutions and private companies. The Main Guard of Honour was formed by three officers and 103 other ranks from the 15th Battalion Royal Malay Regiment (RAMD) based in Senawang, led by Major Dr Muhammad Hazim Abdul Qhalib.
Lieutenant Ahmad Izzudin Abdul Kadir served as the unit’s Colours officer, while Warrant Officer 1 Darul Azhar Mohamed was the Regimental Sergeant Major.
A combined band from the 24th Battalion Royal Malay Regiment and the Malaysian Army Basic Training Centre Brass Band, under Drum Major Warrant Officer 2 Azwan Zakaria, provided music that included “Sembah Tari”, “Aladom”, “Seruan Tentera” and “Tentera Benteng”. The parade also showcased defence and security agency assets, decorated and classic vehicles, vintage cars and old bicycles, drawing sustained attention from spectators.
Representatives from the Malaysian Armed Forces, Royal Malaysia Police, Immigration Department, Fire and Rescue Department, Health Ministry, Malaysian Civil Defence Force and Seremban City Council participated in the event. Their presence underscored the coordination between federal and state authorities in commemorating the nation’s independence.
Among the crowd, 42‑year‑old housewife Siti Ruayiza Rebin said she had never missed bringing her three children, aged 19, 15 and 12, to National Day celebrations. “I have accustomed them to it from an early age. If there is an independence programme at school, I will support it so that they understand the meaning of independence and appreciate the sacrifices of earlier generations in achieving it,” she said.
Private‑sector employee Mohd Khairul Azmi, 45, who arrived with his two children, aged five and seven, highlighted the rarity of seeing military assets on public display. “My children were particularly excited to see the vintage cars and security assets. We arrived at about 6 a.m. to get a suitable spot and allow them to watch the parade more closely,” he said.
“The celebration is important because it teaches children to appreciate history and the contributions of earlier generations,” he added.
The large turnout and diverse participation illustrate the continued relevance of National Day events in fostering communal pride and inter‑generational awareness of Malaysia’s history, while the scaled‑down programme reflects authorities’ caution amid environmental concerns. The celebration concluded without incident, and officials indicated that future events would continue to balance public enthusiasm with safety considerations.
Related: Seremban