KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 26 popular, local animated characters will be among the attractions at the 2022 National Day parade in Dataran Merdeka this Wednesday.

Communications and Multimedia Malaysia Ministry (K-KOMM) secretary-general Mohammad Mentek said besides that, demonstrations by the Malaysian Armed Forces and the Royal Malaysia Police will also be featured as a surprise for members of Keluarga Malaysia during the parade.

He said this in Bicara Naratif, a programme which was broadcast live on TV1 last night.

The National Day parade is scheduled to start at 8 am.

Elaborating, Mohammad said the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) for example, will feature the country's popular animated characters, Upin and his brother Ipin as well as Ejen Ali.

Mohamad said to add to the excitement, especially for children, the floats carrying the mascots will be brought back to Dataran Merdeka after the parade to give visitors a chance to get up close and personal with the characters.

This year's parade will also highlight the country's creative industry achievement by featuring actors from the highest-grossing film Mat Kilau: Kebangkitan Pahlawan.

The National Day parade will be making a return to Dataran Merdeka after two years of being celebrated at Dataran Pahlawan Negara in Putrajaya due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Some 50,000 Keluarga Malaysia are expected to attend the event.

-- BERNAMA