Moving in unison
Participants from the National Department of Culture and Arts performing with the Jalur Gemilang during the full dress rehearsal for the National Day parade in Putrajaya. They will be among the 12,714 people taking part in the celebration.
GEORGE TOWN: Clear skies made it a perfect setting for the statelevel National Day parade rehearsal to proceed without any hitch.
Some 7,000 people from various government agencies, uniformed bodies, universities, corporate companies and schools took part in the fourhour dry run from 8am along Light Street near the Esplanade.
Synchronised marching, choir groups belting out patriotic songs and schoolchildren displaying martial arts skills were among the many exciting activities at the event yesterday.
A spokesman from the State Secretary’s office said 118 contin
gents were taking part in this year’s 61st National Day parade.
“They include the State Secretary’s office, Public Works Department, Penang Island City Council, district offices, police, Fire and Rescue Department and armed forces.
“Yang diPertua Negri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas and his consort Toh Puan Majimor Shariff will grace the event.
“Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, state exco members, MPs, state assemblymen and other state dignitaries will also be present.
“Everyone is welcome to join in this meaningful celebration,” he said, adding that the parade tomorrow would start at 8.30am.
Heavy traffic was spotted in several parts of George Town near the venue as well as along the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway, believed to be due to the road closure for the rehearsal.
Several roads will be closed from 6.30am to noon for the event.
They are Lebuh FarquharLebuh Leith junction, Lebuh FarquharLebuh Light, Lebuh LightJalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah, Lebuh KingLebuh Bishop junction, Weld QuayLebuh Chulia, Lebuh PantaiLebuh Chulia traffic lights, Jalan Mesjid Kapitan KelingLebuh Chulia traffic lights and Lebuh LightJalan Mesjid Kapitan Keling.
Other stretches that will be closed include Lebuh DowningWeld Quay, Weld QuayGat Lebuh Cina, Lebuh GerejaLebuh Pantai, Gat Lebuh CinaLebuh Pantai and the roundabout at Lebuh Pantai.
A police spokesman said 320 policemen would be on duty.
“We expect 20,000 visitors to throng the Esplanade for the celebration,” he added.