Independence Day of Malaysia (2026)

In front of foreign dignitaries, members of the federal government, Malay Rulers, and the people of Malaysia, the first Chief Minister of Malaya, Tunku Abdul Rahman, read the Declaration of Independence of Malaysia on August 31, 1957. Since then, this day is commemorated by the nation as its National Day and Independence Day. Annually, the Hari Kebangsaan (National Day) or Hari Merdeka (Independence Day) in Malaysia serves as the light of the Malay’s hope with the attainment of their long-desired liberty.

The National Day of Malaysia is totally different from Malaysia Day (or Hari Malaysia), which is observed annually on the 16th of September. Malaysia Day marks the formation of Malaysia as a country in 1963 when Singapore, Sarawak, and North Borneo joined the Federation of Malaya. Meanwhile, the National Day commemorates the independence of the nation from British imperial rule.

Here is everything you need to know about National Day (Independence Day) in Malaysia.

Table of Contents

• Is Independence Day in Malaysia a public holiday?
• History of Independence Day in Malaysia
• Important Symbols of Independence Day in Malaysia
• Malaysia Independence Day Activities and Celebrations
• Past and Future Observances of Independence Day in Malaysia

Is Independence Day in Malaysia a public holiday?

Hari Merdeka or Hari Kebangsaan is a public holiday. The National Day of Malaysia is a time when schools and government offices are closed. Most businesses also pause their operations on this day of celebration, although businesses related to entertainment and leisure grab the chance to make an income from people seeking fun.

History of Independence Day in Malaysia

The Federation of Malaya was established on February 1, 1948 with member states Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Malacca, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Penang, Perak, Perlis, Selangor, and Terengganu. However, at that time, the Federation of Malaya was still under British imperial rule. It acquired independence on August 31, 1957. In 1963, Malaysia was formed and included Singapore, Sabah, and Sarawak. However, in 1965, Singapore left the federation to establish its own country.

The Independence Day or National Day of Malaysia was attributed to the efforts led by Tunku Abdul Rahman, who became Malaysia’s First Prime Minister. On the midnight of August 31, 1957, Tunku Abdul Rahman addressed the nation and declared it independent of British rule. This was after two minutes of darkness after he arrived at the venue. The national flag was raised simultaneously with the playing of the national anthem. When morning came, the Duke of Gloucester, who came as the Queen’s representative, handed the new Prime Minister the instrument of independence. It was then that Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman read the declaration of independence. The flag was once again raised and the national anthem sung.

Important Symbols of Independence Day in Malaysia

Similar to most countries celebrating their Independence Day or National Day, Malaysia displays its national flag, or Jalur Germilang, as the most prominent symbol for the celebrations. The current flag of Malaysia was first used on September 16, 1963. It was designed by Mohamed Hamzah, an architect who joined the government contest of flag designing in 1947. The original concept of the flag was retained but the design was slightly tweaked to include the new states that joined the federation.

Today, the design of the flag of Malaysia features fourteen horizontal stripes of alternating red and white. Its canton has a blue field, a crescent, and a star with fourteen points. The colors of the flag (red, white, and blue) symbolize that Malaysia belongs to the Commonwealth. The color yellow represents the independence from foreign control. Meanwhile, the star and the crescent communicate that the country’s official religion is Islam. The flag’s thirteen stripes as well as its star’s thirteen points represent Malaysia’s states, while the fourteenth stripe and point symbolizes the unity among the states.

Malaysia Independence Day Activities and Celebrations

Independence Day or National Day in Malaysia is celebrated with excitement. Grand activities and festivities are organized by the government and other institutions. Ordinary citizens join in the celebrations through their own simple ways of remembering the day the country gained its independence from the British.

The official celebration of Hari Merdeka or Hari Kebangsaan starts at Merdeka Square where a grand parade, the Merdeka Parade, is held on the morning of August 31st. Among the spectators of the parade are the highest rulers of Malaysia, including the King and the Prime Minister. The parade is followed by a series of speeches from the government leaders. An iconic part of the celebration is the seven shouts of “Merdeka!” which was historically initiated by the First Prime Minister of Malaysia.

Throughout the day, various activities are held in communities across the country. Some of these activities include stage shows, exhibits, contests, sporting events, store sales, and fireworks spectacle. Most buildings are decorated with the national flag. Every home and vehicle also have their own displays of the Malaysian flag.

Past and Future Observances of Independence Day in Malaysia

Below are the past and future observances of the National Day in Malaysia: