Malaysians have their own way of showing their patriotism, especially during National Day celebrations. Some love to don the Malaysian flag as an outfit, while some stick the mini flags on their cars. For others, it’s a time to explore the many Merdeka-themed activities happening all over the country.
With Hari Merdeka and Malaysia Day just around the corner and the long weekend coming up, here are a host of activities for you and your family to check out:
Re-live the moment when Tunku Abdul Rahman declared “Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka!”
On 31 August this year, be sure to wake up super early and bring your family over to Dataran Merdeka. Instead of the usual parade, this year’s celebrations will re-enact the Merdeka declaration that was held back in 1957. It’s a great way for the kids to learn about the country’s history and it will be fun to celebrate with them. They will never forget the experience; more so when the roars of “Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka!” reverberate around them!
Appreciate visual arts made in the spirit of Merdeka
Our month-long National Day celebrations are about appreciating the soul and spirit of this joyous occasion. Why not take your family out to appreciate the finer side of our nation by visiting these exhibitions:
- Merdeka Photo Competition at Mid Valley Megamall, Kuala Lumpur (until 17 September 2017)
- Merdeka: Unity and Diversity Art Exhibition at the National Art Gallery, Kuala Lumpur (until 31 August 2017)
- Indahnya Negaraku Art Exhibition at the Seri Pacific Hotel, Kuala Lumpur (until 7 September 2017)
Celebrate Malaysia in vibrant colours
Let your children explore their creative side by joining the many colouring and art contests in the Klang Valley. ‘Hue’ knows, they might win some awesome prizes!
- Art Drawing contest at Nexus, Bangsar South on 16 September 2017, from 2 – 5 pm (for children aged 13 years old and below).
- Crayola Merdeka Roadshow at Sunway Pyramid on 3 September 2017, from 2 – 5 pm (for children aged 16 years old and below).
- Colouring & Drawing contest at Hartamas Shopping Centre on 26-27 August 2017, from 2 pm onwards (for children aged 4 – 12 years old).
- National Day colouring contest at Sunway Velocity Mall on 31 August 2017, from 2 pm (for children aged 4 to 9 years old).
Dress up in your most patriotic costumes
A Kids’ Dress Up party will be held on 27 August at MyTown KL. You and your kids can come dressed in your favourite uniform where you might also meet little policemen, firemen or doctors. The event is from 3 to 6 pm, and all children aged from 4-12 are welcome.
If dressing up isn’t your cup of tea, there’s also a Merdeka Arts & Crafts event until 17 September, where parents and children can try their hand at batik painting, 3D clay key-chain or making a Malaysian flag.
Celebrate with your favourite superheroes
Who doesn’t love a superhero? Well, here’s your chance to see some of your favourites at the Adiwira Merdeka exhibition at Plaza Shah Alam, which is on until 31 August. You’ll also get the chance to learn some crafty ideas at a Craft workshop on 26 August. Come again the next day (27 August) and be sure to say hi and take a selfie with your superheroes. To Merdeka and beyond!
Witness the closing ceremony of the SEA Games 2017
This is the culmination of the 12-day prestigious sporting event, which we’re lucky to have it coincide with the countdown to our 60th National Day celebrations. You and your family will get to watch the Bukit Jalil National Stadium light up with excitement – from musical performances to up-beat dance moves. If you don’t feel like going out, make sure to catch it live on national television.
[Updated 30th August: We have edited this piece to remove an outdated event. There was no event in Putrajaya on the eve of Merdeka. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused to our readers.]
By Hana Kamaruddin
Hana Kamaruddin is a full time communications professional. She loves jogging in the park with her two-year old boy in tow – she thinks this is the perfect way to get him to retire early at night. She uses that time to binge-watch her favourite TV shows.
