Over 2000 spectators filled the Sime Darby Kemuning Estate football field in Sungai Siput on Friday, March 1. They were there to witness an array of events organised by units under the Penang-based Headquarters 2nd Malaysian Infantry Division on the occasion of the 86th Army Day which fell on the same day.
The annual celebration was held in Perak after many years. Preceding the exhibition of available army assets, a parade consisting of 149 Officers and 1943 Other Ranks was held on the playing field. The parading contingent was led by Commander 6 Brigade, Brig-Gen Dato’ Abdul Aziz Hj Ismail. Army Chief General Dato’ Seri Hj Ahmad Hasbullah bin Hj Mohd Nawawi took the salute before addressing the troops.
Among the events, held for the first time in the field, were a free-fall demonstration by troops from the 10th Para Regiment, unarmed combat, tracker-dogs display, women’s pipes and drums platoon and the Military Police motorised acrobatic team.
According to Headquarters 2 Brigade spokesman, Major Dailami, the purpose of having the celebration in the field was to establish rapport with the local population.
