Guide To Merdeka Day 2025 Parade: How To Get To Putrajaya, Theme Song & Highlights

Merdeka Day 2025 parade

Malaysia is set to celebrate its 68th Merdeka Day on 31st August 2025. And the crown jewel of the National Day festivities, the official parade, is set to feature another spectacular display of cultural floats, colourful mascots, national asset ensembles, and – yes – eye-catching abang-abang bomba and adorable doggos.

If you’re planning to experience the parade IRL this year, we’ve got you covered. Below is everything that you need to know about attending the Merdeka Day 2025 parade so you can focus on enjoying the Hari Kebangsaan festivities.

Where will the Merdeka Day 2025 parade be held?

Image credit: Perbadanan Putrajaya via Facebook

For the third year in a row, the Merdeka Day 2025 parade will be held at Putrajaya Square, or Dataran Putrajaya, on 31st August.

The parade will stretch 2.1km across multiple precincts in Putrajaya – or presint in Malay, which are essentially blocks. The march runs down Persiaran Perdana, with core performances taking place in front of the iconic arch of the Perbadanan Putrajaya building, where a Jalur Gemilang hovers majestically above.

Image credit: Bernama

A total of 8,000 tiered seats facing the square will be available for spectators. Family groups that prefer a less crowded vantage point can go for spots further away from Dataran Putrajaya. Large screens and sound systems will broadcast the event live at designated locations, so you don’t have to worry about missing out on any of the exciting sights, even at a distance.

How to get to Dataran Putrajaya?

You’d likely be worried about the logistics if you plan to join the crowds at Dataran Putrajaya. Thankfully, there are several ways to get to the city, and event organizers have arranged ample parking solutions and even boosted public transportation services for the festivities.

By car

If you’re attending the parade via private vehicle, Putrajaya is approximately 32km from KL, or about a 30-minute drive away. A total of 15,000 parking bays will be available for those coming by private vehicles, including spots that are within walking distance of Dataran Putrajaya.

The parking zones are located at different precincts. You can find them at the following spots:

By KLIA Transit

Those opting for rail services can go with KLIA Transit, which is offering 50% off return tickets for departures from KL Sentral Station, Bandar Tasik Selatan Station, and Salak Tinggi Station on 30th and 31st August:

By MRT

Alternate rail options include hopping on the MRT Putrajaya line and alighting at Putrajaya Sentral MRT Station. Rapid KL announced that all rail services will run non-stop on the eve and actual day of Merdeka, from 6am, 30th August, to 11.30pm, 31st August, so you can utilise the MRT to get to Putrajaya freely on Merdeka weekend.

Additionally, six Rapid KL On-Demand routes will operate 24 hours too, for a small fee of RM1 per journey. They are:

• MRT Putrajaya Sentral – Presint 1 (T508B)
• MRT Putrajaya Sentral – Presint 11 (T512B)
• MRT Putrajaya Sentral – PPJ 14 (T513B)
• MRT Putrajaya Sentral – PICC & Desa Pinggiran Putra (T514B)
• MRT Putrajaya Sentral – Cybersouth / Dengkil (T591B)
• CBD Kuala Lumpur (T822B)

Park and ride options

Image adapted from: Janet

In case you’re unable to park close to the parade venue or arrive directly via public transport, there will be free shuttle buses accessible from several areas further away from Dataran Putrajaya. Clear signs have been put up along roads to indicate bus pick-up points and parking zones in Putrajaya so you don’t get lost.

The free shuttle buses will pick up and drop off passengers at the following zones and times:

The pick-up and drop-off zone at MRT Putrajaya Sentral.

There will also be water taxis and lake cruises providing alternative ways to enter and exit the area on Merdeka Day, from 5am to 2pm.

They are:

• Water taxi: Jeti Ayer@8, Presint 8 → Jeti Monumen, Presint 2 (10-minute frequency)
• Water taxi: Jeti Kelab Tasik Putrajaya, Presint 8 → Jeti Monumen, Presint 2 (15-minute frequency)
• Cruise: Jeti Marina, Presint 5 → Jeti Anjung Floria, Presint 4 (20-minute frequency)

Image credit: Bernama

The full timetable can be view on Merdeka360’s Facebook below:

What is Merdeka 2025’s theme?

Malaysia traditionally celebrates its Independence Day with a yearly theme and a logo.

This year’s Merdeka Day and Malaysia Day theme is Malaysia MADANI: Rakyat Disantuni, which translates into English as ‘Civil Malaysia: People Cared For’. The saying is meant to capture the government’s focus on unity, prosperity, and the protection of Malaysians’ welfare.

Image credit: Merdeka360

The Malaysia MADANI symbol remains the logo for this year’s Independence Day celebrations, keeping the same as in 2023 and 2024. It features five fingers in red and white stripes to symbolise the principles of the Rukun Negara, a star with 14 points for the Malaysian states and the Federal Territories, a circle for harmony, and a crescent as a symbol of Islam. It’s also coloured blue, yellow, red, and white to represent unity, tradition, courage, and integrity.

What is Merdeka 2025’s song?

There’s nothing like an energetic Merdeka tune to unite us all. And we have a slew of nostalgic songs that almost all of us can recall singing to while waving the national flag when Merdeka Day celebrations roll around.

This year’s official Merdeka number is sung by none other than Malaysia’s queen of vocals, Dato’ Sri Siti Nurhaliza.

With a name eponymous with this year’s theme, the track features the songstress’s beloved luscious vocals and a punchy bridge that captures the uniqueness of the Malaysian people – kita semua anak Malaysia, for real.

When are the Merdeka Day parade rehearsals?

Image credit: Perbadanan Putrajaya via Facebook

If you want a preview of the Merdeka Day parade, several raptai – or rehearsals – are being held at Dataran Putrajaya between 26th to 28th August from 6.30am to 12pm. On 29th August, there will be a full rehearsal at the same time.

Over these days, 14 roads in Putrajaya are sealed off to vehicles from 6am to 12pm to facilitate the practice sessions. They are:

1. Lebuh Wawasan/Persiaran Perdana
2. Jalan Tun Razak/Lebuh Bestari
3. Jalan Tun Razak/Jalan P2K
4. Jalan Tun Razak/Jalan Pembangunan
5. Jalan Tun Razak/Jalan P3C
6. Jalan Tun Razak/Jalan P3F
7. Jalan Tun Razak/Jalan Kemerdekaan
8. Lebuh Setia/Jalan Perpaduan
9. Lebuh Saujana/Persiaran Perdana
10. Lebuh Setia/Jalan Tun Hussein
11. Jalan Kemerdekaan/Jalan Tun Hussein
12. Jalan Pembangunan/Jalan Tun Hussein
13. Lebuh Bestari/Jalan Tun Hussein
14. Dataran Putra/Persiaran Perdana

From 29th to 31st August, all roads leading to the Putrajaya Core Island will be fully closed for the parade and rehearsals from 10pm. The affected roads are:

1. Lingkaran Putrajaya/Jambatan Saujana
2. Lebuh Sentosa/Lebuh Wawasan
3. Lebuh Wawasan traffic light/Jambatan Wawasan
4. Lebuh Sentosa turnoff/Lebuh Wawasan
5. Lebuh Wawasan traffic light/Jalan P8H
6. Salahuddin Roundabout/Dataran Perdana
7. Lebuh Bestari traffic light/Jalan Tun Hussein
8. Jalan Pembangunan traffic light/Jalan Tun Hussein
9. Jalan Kemerdekaan traffic light-P18/ Jalan Tun Hussein
10. Lebuh Setia traffic light/Jalan Tun Hussein
11. Lebuh Saujana traffic light/Jalan Tun Hussein
12. Lingkaran Gemilang Satu traffic light/ Persiaran Perdana
13. Lebuh Gemilang traffic light/Persiaran Perdana–Jambatan Gemilang
14. Lebuh Sentosa/Jambatan Saujana

What will the Merdeka Day parade entail?

Image credit: Perbadanan Putrajaya via Facebook

The parade is set to kick off bright and early at 7.15am on 31st August with the arrival of distinguished guests.

Expect the entrance of our Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, at 7.50am. The Yang di-Pertuan Agong graces the event at 8am. Following will be the parade, with its exuberant march-throughs and vibrant performances. The entire event concludes at around 10am.

No less than 14,010 participants are set to march along the 2.1km parade route this year, marking this one of the most massive Merdeka assemblies to date. You can also witness the glory of seven floats that will highlight major national initiatives like Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship and the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign.

Image credit: Perbadanan Putrajaya via Facebook

Prepare to be amazed by an array of over 500 military and enforcement assets, including vehicles and gear, complemented by stunning air force flypasts. Additionally, enjoy performances from 21 marching bands, delivering profound patriotic and cultural music.

Image credit: Perbadanan Putrajaya via Facebook

Facilities along the parade route – such as 18 medical tents, five prayer rooms, and 200 mobile washrooms – are accessible for ease and comfort at the celebration. If you get hungry, there will be 60 food trucks stationed near Dataran Putrajaya.

What to do near the Merdeka Day 2025 parade?

Extend your celebrations beyond the parade at RIUH Merdeka 2025, a 30-hour non-stop marketplace commencing from noon on 30th August until 6pm the following day.

Image credit: @riuhinthecity via Instagram

Held at the New Millennium Monument car park in Putrajaya, RIUH is a bustling assembly of local artisans, performers, and vendors, showcasing the best of Malaysian culture. Over 80 vendors will offer food, beauty, and fashion products, with live performances from the likes of local artists like Yuna, Pop Shuvit, and Misha Omar to boot.

There’ll also be free creative workshops to join and a fireworks display on Merdeka Eve.

Where to watch the Merdeka 2025 parade from home?

If you’re planning to enjoy the Merdeka Day parade from the comfort of your couch, there are several ways to catch it. The parade will be broadcast on local TV stations, with several options for online streaming also available:

• Channels: RTM, Bernama, Astro Awani
• Facebook Live: Kemeterian Komunikasi, Merdeka360, Sin Chew Daily, and Sinar Harian

The televised and streamed viewings will begin at 7am on 31st August.

Guide to attending the Merdeka Day 2025 parade

Experiencing Malaysia’s Merdeka Day parade in person, out in the sunshine and surrounded by the buzz of the event, will definitely hit different compared to just watching it remotely on a screen. So this 68th Merdeka Day, get off your phones, grab your sunscreen, and make the trip to Putrajaya with the fam for an unforgettable live experience of Malaysia’s best on parade.

Also check out:

• Deals & discounts for Merdeka 2025
• Events for Merdeka this 2025

Cover image adapted from: Perbadanan Putrajaya via Facebook