Penang: The Malaysia Day 2025 celebration on September 16 will embrace the nation’s spirit of unity, featuring a star-studded lineup of popular local artistes from different ethnic backgrounds on a shared stage. Malaysia’s Rock Queen, Ella, is set to perform at the PICCA Convention Centre @ Arena Butterworth, alongside notable performers Suki Low, Roshini Balachandran, and Sabah and Sarawak’s own Dabra Sia and Rezza Shah.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Penang Information Department (Japen) director Hasmiza Hussein emphasized that this year’s celebration will not only spotlight well-known artistes but will also embody Malaysia’s multicultural identity by representing a variety of races and religions. The performances will include over 100 cultural performers, adding to the festive atmosphere with dances inspired by Malaysia’s rich heritage.
The singing segment promises a special treat, as the traditional orchestra from Istana Budaya will provide the main accompaniment. The performances will blend traditional music with modern elements, offering a refreshing, vibrant, and patriotic showcase. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to officiate the celebration, themed ‘Malaysia MADANI: Rakyat Disantuni’, at 8:30 pm. The event will also be graced by Penang Governor Tun Ramli Ngah Talib, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, and Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil announced on June 11 that this year’s celebration would take place in Penang, following the annual rotation of locations between Sabah, Sarawak, and Peninsular Malaysia. Running from 9 am to 10 pm, the celebration will include various programs, such as a photo exhibition and history gallery by Japen and Persatuan Sejarah dan Warisan Pulau Pinang, showcasing the pre-independence struggle, the 1957 independence moment, and the chronology of nation-building post-formation of Malaysia.
Visitors can engage with Radio Televisyen Malaysia’s (RTM) interactive booth, featuring a DJ try-out set and RTM Klik, the Safe Internet Campaign by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), and an exhibition booth by the Penang Public Library Corporation. Traditional food demonstrations and exhibitions of traditional attire and tools will also be available, bringing the community closer to Malaysia’s heritage.
The thematic exhibition zone will include Zone A, showcasing the pre-independence era with artefacts and videos; Zone B, highlighting the independence era with national figures and newspaper clippings; and Zone C, featuring the post-independence period to the present, with photos of the nation’s development and articles on the formation of Malaysia in 1963.
Hasmiza stated that during the celebration, the Prime Minister will present prizes to three winners of the Bersama Malaysiaku campaign, part of the Gerakan Bersama Malaysiaku initiative for National Day and Malaysia Day. This campaign encourages Malaysians to submit selfies with short captions about their backgrounds and life experiences. The photos will create a collage of Malaysian faces for the celebration, with three grand prize winners receiving a Proton e.Mas, a Proton X70, and a Modenas motorcycle from the Prime Minister.
Preparation for the event is progressing smoothly, with technical equipment installed and ready for rehearsals. Large screens will be set up outside the PICCA Convention Centre to enable the public in the compound to watch the show, as the main celebration will take place in the convention centre’s auditorium.