The official celebration, carried out under the new normal for the second year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, was held at Dataran Pahlawan Negara here.

Programmes and performances were held in compliance with SOPs with a limited number of guests and participants.

A video clip on the Malaysian Family, with lyrics by communications and multimedia minister Annuar Musa, was screened for the first time as guests, who included Cabinet ministers, arrived for the celebration.

Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob and his wife, Muhaini Zainal Abidin, witnessed the celebration, themed Caring Malaysia, virtually as he is under quarantine for being a close contact of a Covid-19 patient.

The celebration started at 8am with three members of the Royal Malaysian Navy raising the Jalur Gemilang, accompanied by the national anthem.

This was followed by the reading of the Rukun Negara and the shouts of “Merdeka” by representatives from various frontline agencies and departments, led by Luqman AlHakim Mohd Tamyes from the education ministry.