PUTRAJAYA, Aug. 31 -- Malaysia's 68th Merdeka celebration kicked off in grand style this morning, with thousands thronging the boulevards of Putrajaya for the National Day and Malaysia Day 2025 parade.

Some in the crowd had staked out their spots since late last night, arriving as early as 11pm and taking advantage of Prasarana's free shuttle buses.

Families came prepared with folding chairs, mats and umbrellas, determined not to miss a moment of the nation's biggest annual showcase in the federal administrative capital.

By dawn, anticipation was building as federal leaders began to arrive. But the loudest cheers were reserved for His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, who arrived around 8.15am.

The King, known for his love of ...