Malaysia’s 68th National Day parade in Putrajaya drew over 100,000 spectators, but one of the biggest surprises came from HONOR. The brand’s yet-to-be-launched smartphone made its first public appearance when actor Ben Amir, standing alongside firefighters on a fire and rescue truck, unveiled the striking red device live on stage.
The moment immediately went viral, with fans recognising the phone from Legasi Bomba The Movie, where Ben’s character received it as a token of appreciation. Now, with the device shown in real life, speculation is mounting: is this HONOR’s next big release — possibly the all-new HONOR X9 series?
A Tribute to Firefighters
Clad in bold red leather, the smartphone’s design echoes the iconic “Wira Merah” firefighter uniforms. Its rumored ruggedness and durability appear symbolic of the bravery and resilience of Malaysia’s frontline heroes.
“My first impression of this smartphone is that it’s incredibly tough and reliable. The color instantly reminded me of our Wira Merah. It feels like a tribute to the national heroes who risk everything to protect us,” said Ben Amir.
HONOR’s brand name itself underscores values of bravery, sacrifice, and national pride, aligning seamlessly with the Merdeka theme and the spirit of firefighters.
Celebrating with Fans: Booth Activities & Performances
The celebrations continued at the HONOR booth, where thousands flocked for meet-and-greet sessions with the cast of Legasi Bomba The Movie, an interactive firefighter-themed photo contest, and live entertainment.
Fans dressed up with rescue gear props for creative photo ops, with winners walking away with HONOR smartphones and tablets. A special performance by Pahlawan Sebenar — featuring Father’s Day from the movie’s OST — and a fiery display by the Junior Firefighter squad added to the patriotic atmosphere, making the booth a crowd favourite.
What’s Next for HONOR’s Mystery Smartphone?
HONOR has yet to reveal official details, but its bold design, leather finish, and hinted durability are fueling nationwide curiosity. The brand confirmed that an announcement is coming very soon, though the exact launch date remains under wraps.
One thing’s for sure — this surprise Merdeka reveal has Malaysians eagerly waiting for HONOR’s next big unveiling.