Over 15,500 Perakeans from all walks of life celebrated the nation’s 61st Independence Day.
His Royal Highness Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah and Raja Permaisuri Perak, Tuanku Zara Salim along with their children, Raja Kechil Besar Perak, Raja Azlan Muzaffar Shah and Raja Nazira Safya, were present at the state-level celebration held in front of Town Hall, Ipoh on Friday, August 31.
The Sultan was accompanied by Perak Menteri Besar, Ahmad Faizal Azumu, Perak State Secretary, Dato’ Mohd Gazali Jalal and members of the Perak State Executive Council.
Upon arrival, Nazrin inspected an honour guard consisting of three officers and 103 Other Ranks from Kem Sangro, Taiping. Music was provided by the KD Pelandok brass band from RMN Lumut led by Lieutenant (RMN) Izuan Mat Isa.
The Sultan then took the salute as a march-past consisting of 107 contingents representing government agencies, local authorities, private institutions and non-governmental organisations trooped past the royal dais. Some 5703 participants took part in the march-past.
Later that day, the Sultan presented a certificate, trophy and mock cheque to the Ipoh City Council.
Ipoh City council emerged as champions for the marching competition in the local authorities, private institutions and non-governmental category, while the State Secretary’s office won first place for the government category.
Sam Tet Chinese School secured first place for their outstanding band performance.
Ipoh City Council also took home the ‘Best Overall Outfit’ title.
The annual parade was joined by 150 athletes who will be taking part in the 19th edition of Sukan Malaysia (Sukma), this September.
On the night of Thursday, August 30, Perak MB officiated Kayuhan Merdeka 2018, a cycling event organised by Ipoh City Council.
The MB and state executive councillors took part in the cycling extravaganza along with over a thousand Ipohites. Mayor Dato’ Zambri Man was also present.
The cycling route began at the Ipoh City Council Square and continued along Jalan Sultan Abdul Jalil, Jalan Raja DiHilir, Jalan Dato’ Seri Ahmad and ended where it started – at the Ipoh City Council Square – a distance of about 5km.
Luqman Hakim
