KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 8 — The Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) in Sarawak has been officially named the venue for the national-level Malaysia Day celebrations on September 16.
The decision to hold the main celebration indoors was made to provide a climate-controlled and safe environment for dignitaries and cultural troupes, in view of the current haze affecting parts of Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia.
Information Department (JAPEN) Cyber Media Division assistant director Yumna Baharuddin said Sarawak’s selection as host aligns with the 2020 Cabinet decision to implement a rotational system between Sarawak, Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia.
“This rotational system ensures that every Malaysian, regardless of geographic location, shares directly in the spirit and historical resonance of Malaysia Day.
"Following Penang’s hosting in 2025, bringing the celebrations back to Sarawak underscores the federal government's unwavering commitment to strengthening national integration across all regions,” she said during an exclusive interview on TRAXX FM today.
Elaborating on the significance of the date, Yumna emphasised the distinct historical significance of the two national observances.
“While August 31 commemorates the independence of the Federation of Malaya in 1957, September 16 marks the 1963 historic unification of Malaya, Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore into a single sovereign federation,” she said.
This year's celebration retains the theme “Malaysia Madani: Kesejahteraan Dinikmati” (Prosperity Enjoyed Together), paired with Sarawak’s unity tagline “Segulai Sejalai” (Walking Hand-in-Hand).
The main ceremonial event at BCCK will feature an array of symbolic and cultural performances, including an inter-ethnic welcoming segment blending silat, hadra, gendang pampat and lion dance performances.
It will also include the signing of the Malaysia Proclamation Book by national and state leaders. The historical volume was transported under the custody of the Sabah State Archives, pursuant to the Sabah State Records and Archives Enactment 2007.
Other highlights include the ceremonial cutting of pulut kuning and a tri-state artiste showcase featuring prominent performers Dayang Nurfaizah, Aizat Amdan and Stacy.
JAPEN and its partner agencies have also arranged a series of satellite events from September 10 to 16, including the Formation Corridor Exhibition at Plaza Merdeka, division-level pop-up exhibitions across 10 Sarawak divisions, as well as activities in Putrajaya, Selangor and Kuala Lumpur to ensure widespread public participation.
