BUTTERWORTH, Penang will take the national spotlight tomorrow as Malaysia Day 2025 celebrations unfold in full patriotic splendour at the PICCA@Arena Butterworth Convention Centre.
Carrying the theme "Malaysia MADANI: Rakyat Disantuni", the important event is expected to draw thousands from across the nation—particularly the northern region—to celebrate Malaysia's cultural diversity and enduring spirit of unity.
Although the main cultural showcase is scheduled for 8.30pm, festivities begin as early as 9am, offering a wide array of engaging activities.
These include interactive booths by Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM), such as a DJ try-out station and RTM Klik, the Safe Internet Campaign by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), and an exhibition by the Penang Public Library Corporation.
Visitors will also have the chance to join traditional food preparation demonstrations, including dishes made with tapioca, and view exhibitions featuring traditional clothing and heritage tools designed to bring the public closer to Malaysia’s local cultures.
Themed Exhibition Zones will be open to the public and divided into three sections. Zone A presents the pre-independence era with artefacts, replicas, and videos depicting daily life at the time. Zone B covers the independence era, featuring historical figures, archival audio recordings of the Merdeka declaration, and newspaper clippings.
Zone C spans post-independence to present-day Malaysia, highlighting the nation’s development through photographs and archival publications, including those documenting the formation of Malaysia in 1963.
The performance segment will open with a newly commissioned work entitled "Rentak Tradisi Pulau Mutiara", showcasing the unique cultural identity of Penang through a fusion of three traditional art forms: Joget Joghee, Penang Chinese Opera, and Boria.
A key highlight of the evening will be the signing of the Malaysia Day 2025 Commemorative Book by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He will be joined by Deputy Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, representing Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, and Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya, representing Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
The night will also feature a special 30-minute performance combining music and dance, headlined by national rock icon Ella, with Suki Low, Roshini Balachandran, as well as Sabah and Sarawak talents Dabra Sia and Rezza Shah. All performances will be accompanied by the Malaysian Traditional Orchestra from Istana Budaya, incorporating instruments from various ethnic groups to symbolise Malaysia’s multicultural harmony.
Also expected to grace the occasion are Penang Governor Tun Ramli Ngah Talib and Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who will play host, along with members of the federal cabinet.
Separately, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil announced his intention to donate his RM100 Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) aid to those in need.
"I have not redeemed mine. But God willing, I will donate it," he told reporters after presenting assistance from the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA fund to a Kwong Wah Yit Poh reporter earlier today.
The minister’s gesture follows similar actions from other political leaders. PKR Deputy President Nurul Izzah Anwar and Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari have also pledged their aid contributions, with Nurul Izzah encouraging other PKR representatives and those who are financially able to follow suit.
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming has likewise directed his Sara aid to charitable causes.
Earlier in the day, Fahmi spent time with reporter Choo Kar Chun, who has been coping with a hearing impairment since last year, affecting his ability to communicate. - September 15, 2025
