Izah Azahari
Despite hurdles and challenges caused by COVID-19, the 38th National Day celebration grand assembly parade participants were lauded for their patriotic spirit in making the event a smooth one.
This was said by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin at the celebration yesterday.
He said some 3,800 took part in the parade, which is significantly lower than the number during pre-COVID, which usually had 26,000 participants. The minister added that the lack of training and shorter preparation time were among the biggest challenges faced.
“The number has been decreased taking into account safety factors and abiding by the standard operating procedures (SOPs),” said the minister, adding that measures were taken in ensuring the participants’ and the public’s health.
Rehearsals for the grand assembly and parade was only held once – on February 19 – instead of three like those of previous years, the minister said. Participants were instructed to train on their own in small groups.
About 2,000 people performed on the field with shortened duration to allow the day’s event to conclude within an hour or less, the minister added.
