Malaysia Day
Next: September 16, 2027
The day Malaysia became Malaysia.
The story
Where it comes from
On 16 September 1963 the Federation of Malaya, Sabah (then North Borneo), Sarawak and Singapore joined to form Malaysia. Singapore left in 1965. For decades the date was overshadowed by 31 August, Merdeka Day, which marks Malaya's independence in 1957; Malaysia Day became a nationwide public holiday only in 2010, in part to recognise Sabah and Sarawak's place in the federation.
How it's celebrated
Official ceremonies, cultural performances and fireworks, with the largest events often held in Kuching or Kota Kinabalu. Flags fly from Merdeka Day through Malaysia Day, and the fortnight between them is the national-day season.
Did you know
- Malaysia Day was originally planned for 31 August 1963 but was postponed to allow a United Nations mission to confirm that Sabah and Sarawak supported joining.
- The Jalur Gemilang, Malaysia's flag, has fourteen stripes and a fourteen-point star for the thirteen states and the federal territories.
The greeting
Selamat Hari Malaysia!
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