Independence Day for the year 2024 is celebrated/observed on Thursday, August 31st. There are until the next observance.

Malaysia Independence Day, also known as National Day or “Hari Merdeka” in Malay, is celebrated on August 31 and celebrates the 31 August 1957 Malayan Declaration of Independence. Article 160 of Malaysia’s Constitution defines it as the formal independence day, when the country earned independence from British colonial authority. Typically, the celebrations begin in early August with a variety of activities and national tournaments. August is also known as the “National Month” because of the celebrations.

📆 When is Independence Day?

This year, Independence Day is on August 31st. It is the 5th Thursday in August; in 2024, it is on Saturday.

Countdown to Independence Day

Did you know: Malaysia did not have a national anthem when it gained independence.

You can also learn all interesting things you didn’t know about and facts about August 31, 2023.

📜 History of Independence Day

When the possibility of a communist rebellion diminished during the course of the Malayan Emergency, an agreement was struck on February 8, 1956, enabling Malaysia to acquire independence from the British Empire. But because of problems with logistics and government, they didn’t become truly independent until August 31, 1957.

Crowds gathered at Kuala Lumpur’s Merdeka Square on the night of August 30, 1957, to witness the British handover of sovereignty. The Union Jack in the square was lowered at the stroke of midnight. Malaysia’s new flag was hoisted while the national anthem, Negaraku, was performed. The audience responded with seven yells of “Merdeka.”

☑️ Independence Day facts

Worldwide competition to find an anthem
Tunku Abdul Rahman decided to hold a global contest to find a good song for Malaysia’s national anthem. 512 songs were sent in.

It is originally the state anthem of Perak
Finally, Rahman chose the tune of the Perak state anthem for the Malaysian national anthem.

It was rearranged
The song was modified to have a more lively pace, which was unpopular with the public; in 2003, the tempo was restored to its previous level.

Things to do on Independence Day

Take part in the annual Merdeka Parade
The procession included adorned automobiles, a royal inspection, flag hoisting, the recital of the Rukun Negara, and cultural and patriotic acts. You may learn about Malaysian culture by viewing the procession live or watching the Merdeka celebrations on TV.

Organize your own activities
You may also arrange an event or other activities to instill patriotism and affection for your nation. Some possibilities for getting started include a national speech competition, a Merdeka poetry contest, and a photography competition.

Decorate your homes
Flags may be used to decorate your home and car. Flags and decorations may be found around the country. There are also neighborhood decoration contests.

📅 Independence Day Observances

YEAR DATE DAY
2023 August 31 Thursday
2024 August 31 Saturday
2025 August 31 Sunday
2026 August 31 Monday
2027 August 31 Tuesday

Discover all August holidays, including Federal and other Civic holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and cool facts about Independence Day. So be sure to check back soon.