Kuala lumpur: Over 4,000 local visitors and foreign tourists gathered at three key locations around the city today, experiencing patriotic songs through the Pentarama Merdeka@HoHo programme. This event was part of the efforts to bolster the National Day and Malaysia Day (HKHM) 2026 celebrations.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Pentarama Merdeka@HoHo took place at Dataran Merdeka, Sungei Wang Plaza, and Pavilion Bukit Bintang. Participants enjoyed lively performances by cultural artistes and Pentarama musicians aboard the KL Hop-On Hop-Off (KL HOHO) double-decker bus. The initiative aimed to connect with the public and convey important messages of patriotism, togetherness, and unity.

Department of Information director-general Erwin Khairul Ahmad stated that the programme was designed to engage directly with the community, emphasizing the importance of instilling patriotism in Malaysians. "This is not merely a ceremonial programme; we aim to convey the government's aspirations and policies to the public, emphasizing that the spirit of patriotism must be instilled in the hearts of Malaysians, regardless of the circumstances," he remarked during a media interaction at Pavilion Bukit Bintang.

Erwin Khairul also noted the unexpectedly enthusiastic response from the public, highlighting how many spontaneously participated in the activities and joined in waving the Jalur Gemilang, the national flag of Malaysia.