IPOH: The Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah and his consort Raja Permaisuri Perak Tuanku Zara Salim attended the state-level 60th Merdeka celebration at Dewan Bandaraya Ipoh here today.
The royal couple arrived at 8.25am, accompanied by their children Raja Azlan Muzaffar Shah and Raja Nazira Safya.
Also present was Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Jaafar Raja Muda Musa and Raja Puan Besar Perak Raja Nor Mahani Raja Shahar Shah.
They were welcomed by Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir and his wife, Datin Seri Saripah Zulkifli and state secretary Datuk Seri Abdul Puhat Mat Nayan.
Sultan Nazrin began the proceedings by inspecting a guard-of-honour mounted by Platoon 1, Regiment Royal Engineer Soldier Division 2, Sangro Camp, Taiping.
The event began with a Quran recital and prayer, before a choir and band performance by 105 students of Sekolah Menengah Jenis Kebangsaan (SMJK) Poi Lam, Sekolah Menengah Jenis Kebangsaan (SMJK) Sam Tet and SMK Convent of the songs Nyalakan Tekad, Sehati Sejiwa and Jalur Gemilang.
The colourful celebration continued with 5,213 participants representing 107 contingents from government departments and agencies, non-governmental organisations and uniformed bodies strutting their stuff in the Merdeka parade.
Among contingents participating were the Ipoh City Council (MBI), Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) and the Perak Health Department.
The two-hour parade, which ended at about 11am, was witnessed by more than 10,000 people from all walks of life, who had swarmed Dewan Bandaraya Ipoh from as early as 7am.