Kuching: The Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) in Sarawak has been officially designated as the venue for the national-level Malaysia Day celebrations on September 16. The decision to host the main celebration indoors was made to ensure a climate-controlled and safe environment for dignitaries and cultural troupes, given the current haze affecting parts of Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Information Department (JAPEN) Cyber Media Division assistant director Yumna Baharuddin stated that 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.
Elaborating on the significance of the date, Yumna emphasized 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 explained.
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, Faizal Tahir, and Stacy. JAPEN and its partner agencies have also arranged a series of satellite events from September 10 to 16. These include 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.