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Ahmadul Kobir, Malaysia: Malaysia Day 2026 was celebrated with a colourful national-level event in Kuching, showcasing the country’s cultural diversity and the spirit of unity among Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak.
Around 5,000 people gathered at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Wednesday night for the main celebration, despite haze that forced the event indoors. MalaysiaAktif separately reported an attendance of about 6,000, while Bernama put the figure at approximately 5,000.
The celebration was held under the official theme “Malaysia MADANI: Kesejahteraan Dinikmati”, or “Prosperity Enjoyed Together”, with Sarawak’s unity slogan “Segulai Sejalai”, an Iban expression conveying the idea of moving forward together.
Sarawak Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar attended the celebration as guest of honour, while Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor were also present. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil were among other senior leaders attending the event.
The programme opened with a “Segulai Sejalai” welcome performance, followed by the national and Sarawak state anthems, Negaraku and Ibu Pertiwiku.
Anwar then delivered his Malaysia Day address before joining Abang Johari and Hajiji in the symbolic digital signing of the Malaysia Day 2026 commemorative book, signifying a shared commitment to strengthening national unity.
The celebration also featured a symbolic cutting of pulut kuning, or yellow glutinous rice, as part of the official proceedings. This was followed by the entry parade of the Kembara Merdeka Jalur Gemilang convoy and the recitation of the Rukun Negara, led by Sarawak boxer Muhammad Asyraf Abdullah, better known as Kilat Boy.
Cultural performances formed a major part of the programme, highlighting traditions from the three regions of the Malaysian federation.
Musical theatre productions titled “Malaysia Madani, Kesejahteraan Dinikmati” and “Serumpun MADANI Tiga Wilayah” highlighted patriotism, cultural diversity and the bonds between Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak. The programme also featured performances representing the different communities and traditions of the country.
The event concluded with a performance by Malaysian singer Faizal Tahir, followed by a fireworks display over the Kuching Waterfront.
Haze affecting Kuching and surrounding areas had prompted organisers to modify the original programme.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil had earlier announced that outdoor activities linked to the Malaysia Day celebration would be cancelled because of the haze, while the main national-level ceremony would proceed indoors at the BCCK.
The decision was taken after authorities reported concerning air-quality conditions in parts of Sarawak. The BCCK was subsequently designated as the official venue for the national celebration, providing a controlled environment for the large gathering and participating cultural groups.
Sarawak was selected to host the national-level Malaysia Day celebration in 2026, following Penang’s hosting in 2025. The rotational arrangement is intended to allow different regions of the country to take part in hosting the national celebration.
The choice of Kuching also placed Sarawak’s history and cultural identity at the centre of this year’s celebrations, reinforcing the role of Sabah and Sarawak alongside Peninsular Malaysia in the Malaysian federation.
Malaysia Day programmes were also held in different parts of the country.
In Kuala Lumpur, the Keretapi Sarong 2026 programme brought together people of different ages at RainTree Plaza in The Exchange TRX, with many participants wearing traditional attire and sarongs.
Off Kuala Perlis, a maritime convoy involving 80 boats and around 700 participants was organised. The approximately 14-kilometre journey began at a jetty operated by the Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority, with participating boats decorated with the Jalur Gemilang.
Malaysia Day is observed annually on September 16 to commemorate the formation of Malaysia in 1963. The federation was established through the union of Malaya, Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore, although Singapore later left the federation.
The national celebration in Kuching brought together cultural performances, national symbols and participation from leaders and citizens to mark the historic formation of Malaysia and highlight the country’s diverse but shared national identity.
