BUSINESSMAN Datuk Chew Chert Fong has praised the Melaka government for elevating its Merdeka celebrations into a grand spectacle, capable of placing the state on the international stage while delivering a significant boost to tourism and local businesses.
The Cat Supermarket managing director said the state-level celebrations had gone beyond the customary processions of previous years, with spectacular displays involving fighter jets, warships and other military assets giving visitors a compelling reason to travel to Melaka.
Chew said large-scale events of such magnitude could reshape perceptions of Melaka as not only a renowned heritage destination but also a capable host of world-class programmes.
“Melaka is already internationally renowned for its history, heritage and food, but events of this scale give visitors another reason to come here.
“A grand Merdeka celebration featuring military aircraft, warships and cultural performances can attract attention beyond our shores and further place Melaka on the international tourism map,” he said.
He noted that Melaka’s state-level Merdeka celebrations had been taken to greater heights over the past two years under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh.
“Last year, we witnessed Sukhoi Su-30MKM fighter jets roaring across our skies. This year, the people will have the rare opportunity to see warships, fighter jets and various Armed Forces assets up close.
“The celebration is now on a completely different level,” he said.
He said the Chief Minister’s efforts had enabled Melakans to experience spectacular displays previously associated mainly with national-level celebrations in Putrajaya.
In the spirit of Merdeka, Chew added that Cat Supermarket would also distribute hundreds of miniature Jalur Gemilang to residents.
He hoped the initiative would encourage more families and young people to participate in the festivities and proudly display the national flag.
Meanwhile, Ab Rauf said this year’s state-level Merdeka celebration at Dataran 1Malaysia in Klebang would be larger and more spectacular than previous editions.
He said Klebang was selected as the venue because it offered a longer parade route along the coastal road after the celebration was held at Dataran Pahlawan over the past two years.
The celebration will feature four Royal Malaysian Navy vessels – KD Terengganu, KD Gempita, KD Laksamana Muhammad Amin and KD Lekir – positioned along the state’s coastline.
Apart from the warships, 45 Armed Forces assets will participate in the celebration.The aerial display will feature Sukhoi Su-30MKM and F/A-18D Hornet fighter jets, C-130 Hercules transport aircraft and an Airbus A400M.
Visitors can also look forward to parachuting demonstrations, helicopter displays, cultural performances, decorated floats and demonstrations showcasing the capabilities of special forces personnel.
The Merdeka Day programme on Aug 31 will culminate in a grand parade involving marching contingents, military assets and vehicles from various government agencies. – August 27, 2026
