KINILENS | Dataran Putrajaya comes alive as Malaysians celebrate the 66th anniversary of Merdeka Day.

Based on the theme “Malaysia Madani: Tekad Perpaduan, Penuhi Harapan” (Determination in Unity, Fulfiling Hope), the event involved 17,262 participants, 67 contingents, 36 brass bands, 534 land and air assets and 100 animals in service.

Among the highlights included the Police’s elite VAT 69 Commando unit performing a precision jump from a height of 4,000 metres.

There was also a display of aircraft including C130 Hercules and Airbus A400M strategic airlifters, Sukhoi SU-30MKM, BAE Hawk 100/200 and F/A-18D Hornets of the Royal Malaysian Air Force.

Malaysians of various ethnic groups also wore their traditional attire while waving the Jalur Gemilang.