Putrajaya: Fire! The cry was clearly heard behind the 14 artillery salutes that accompanied the Negaraku anthem and the Malaysian flag-raising ceremony at the 2026 National Day celebration at Dataran Putrajaya here today.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, each command demanded precision, timing, and discipline from personnel of the 41st Battery of the Royal Artillery Regiment (Ceremonial) from Sungai Buloh Camp, Selangor, to ensure that each round from the 102mm M102 Howitzer was fired according to the prescribed sequence and timing.
Captain Muhammad Zameer Zolkaifli, who led the team, stated that precision in issuing commands and coordination were essential to ensure all 14 rounds were fired within the stipulated time. He noted the main challenge was the positioning of the six cannons, which were about 500 meters away from him at a parking area near Masjid Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin.
"We communicated using special walkie-talkies only. The challenge was, of course, telecommunications interference, but Alhamdulillah, everything was carried out successfully. The artillery firing for the flag-raising ceremony and the playing of Negaraku is about one minute and 16 seconds, with each round fired at intervals of five to six seconds," he told Bernama.
The 35-year-old Johor-born officer mentioned this was his second time leading the artillery salute for the National Day celebrations, after first taking on the responsibility in 2025. He expressed that the experience was smoother this time, thanks to the support of his colleagues and favorable weather conditions.
Muhammad Zameer emphasized the importance of teamwork, stating that every member has a role in ensuring the artillery firing proceeds smoothly. He highlighted the ongoing assignments of the 41st Battery of the Royal Artillery Regiment (Ceremonial), which include fulfilling ceremonial tasks at both state and national levels.
Despite the demanding schedule, the team continues to undergo training and rehearsals to ensure preparedness for actual assignments. Muhammad Zameer added that they trained at unit level, including live ammunition firing exercises during previous full rehearsals.
The artillery salute is a significant military tradition during the National Day celebrations, capturing the attention of visitors alongside the parade and displays of the country's security assets. Malaysia's King and Queen, Their Majesties Sultan Ibrahim and Raja Zarith Sofiah, graced the 69th National Day celebrations at Dataran Putrajaya today, accompanied by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil, and Cabinet Ministers.
Themed "Malaysia MADANI: Kesejahteraan Dinikmati," this year's celebrations attracted over 80,000 visitors, with 10,819 parade participants from 76 contingents and 22 marching bands.