The sights and sounds of Merdeka once more

People gather to watch a practice session for the Malaysian Armed Forces Merdeka Day parade at Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur.

An armed forces member applies camouflage make-up ahead of the full-dress rehearsal for the parade.

Contingents of soldiers gather before participating in the final rehearsal before Merdeka Day.

On Merdeka Day itself, the participants gather before dawn to prepare for the parade.

Women army personnel from the Army Logistics Command check their rifles before the start of the parade.

An army officer stands on a marble bench to gather his personnel for a briefing before the parade.

Sun rays break over the skyline as participants gather at Dataran Merdeka.

Other participants wave the Jalur Gemilang as the event begins.

Crowds gather at Dataran Merdeka to watch the parade.

Some, eager for a good view of the action, climb to higher ground.

Helicopters carrying flags pass by overhead.

A girl sits on her father's shoulders to get a better view of the parade.

Malaysian Armed Forces personnel stand in formation as the crowds press against the dividers.

People take pictures as armoured vehicles from the army roll past.

The Jalur Gemilang is flown everywhere throughout Dataran Merdeka as Malaysians celebrate the country's independence on a large scale for the first time since the start of the pandemic.

Horses and their riders make an appearance as well.

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah and the queen, Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah wave flags as they watch the parade from the grand stand.

A child waves the Jalur Gemilang as she watches the parade through the metal divider.

Other participants hold their flags high as the parade continues.

Music fills the air as the marching band goes by.

Participants in kilts march past carrying their bagpipes as they go.

A child watches the parade with her parents.

A contingent from the tourism, arts and culture ministry march past in full traditional outfits.

Orang Asli participants wave the Jalur Gemilang as they march.

Members of the civil defence force march past in full uniform.

Firemen show off their muscles as the fire engines roll by.

Members of the police force play brass instruments.

Police officers in riot gear follow behind.

Even members of the police K9 unit make an appearance, complete with footwear and vests.

The 69th police commando unit pose with their guns as their armoured vehicles roll past.

Soldiers, some in uniform and some in camouflage outfits, keep to the beat of the music as they march by.

National sprinter Muhammad Azeem Mohd Fahmi leads a contingent in taking an oath of loyalty to the country.

Security personnel in uniform carry a huge Jalur Gemilang past the grand stand.

Others hold more flags, creating a sea of red, white, blue and yellow.

A fleet of antique cars forms part of the parade as well.

Police officers hold their weapons at ready as they march.

Soldiers in fatigues and camouflage face paint follow behind.

Members of the public take pictures as a contingent of army tanks rolls by.

Soldiers pose with their weapons as the tanks go by.

Fighter jets fly in formation overhead.

Military helicopters hover overhead as more soldiers march past the grand stand.

A F/A-18D Hornet jet soars through the air over the parade at Dataran Merdeka.

Dancers wave the Jalur Gemilang as they perform at the close of the parade.

There are smiles all around as Malaysians celebrate the country's 65th independence day.