SPONSORSHIP for Malaysia’s 2026 National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations has surged more than 118 per cent to RM48.63 million, reflecting stronger participation from the corporate sector and industry, Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said today.
Of the total confirmed sponsorship, RM2.7 million is in cash while RM45.93 million comprises goods and services, Fahmi said.
“This year, the Government through the Communications Ministry has strengthened and expanded strategic cooperation with the corporate sector, private sector and industry players through various initiatives,” he said.
The initiatives include the Jalur Gemilang Flag Campaign, One House One Jalur Gemilang initiative, Merdeka RAHMAH Sales Campaign, parades, special programmes and publicity for the National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations across various media platforms.
Fahmi said the growing involvement of the private sector showed that the celebrations had evolved beyond official Government events into a broader expression of solidarity involving the Government, businesses, industry and the public.
“As of today, the Communications Ministry has engaged with more than 350 organisations,” he said.
Of these, 139 strategic partners have agreed to contribute to the celebrations through cash, goods or services.
All cash contributions will be channelled into the Merdeka Secretariat Trust Account (AASM) to fund preparations and implementation of the celebrations, while goods and services will be used to support the programmes.
Some donated items will be distributed by the Communications Ministry’s Volunteer Team to members of the public attending the National Day celebration at Dataran Putrajaya and Malaysia Day celebrations at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), Sarawak.
Some contributions have already been utilised during the launch of the National Month and Jalur Gemilang Flag Campaign in Ipoh, Perak, as well as other programmes held under the 2026 celebrations.
Fahmi assured that every contribution would be managed transparently, prudently and responsibly in support of the main and supporting activities.
Of the total sponsorship value, 50 per cent is in the form of promotional support, 30 per cent comprises goods for visitors, while the remaining 20 per cent represents sponsorship for committees involved in organising the celebrations.
Fahmi also said the Ministry of Finance had again approved the 2026 National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations as a project of national interest under subsection 44(11C) of the Income Tax Act 1967.
Under the arrangement, individuals and companies making in-kind contributions between April 1 and Sept 16, 2026, may claim a tax deduction of up to 10 per cent of aggregate income for the current year of assessment, subject to a RM15 million ceiling.
Given the sharp increase in in-kind sponsorship this year, Fahmi said the Communications Ministry would appeal to the Finance Ministry to consider raising the tax deduction ceiling for sponsors.
Meanwhile, Malaysians will receive 10GB of free mobile data under the RAHMAH National Day and Malaysia Day 2026 Rebate Incentive, in collaboration with five telecommunications providers — CelcomDigi, Maxis, TM, U Mobile and YES.
Eligible Malaysian citizens on prepaid and postpaid plans will receive 5GB of free data on National Day on Aug 31 and another 5GB on Malaysia Day on Sept 16.
The participating telecommunications companies will announce details on the redemption process and validity period, subject to their respective terms and conditions.
Fahmi thanked the ministry’s Control and Compliance Division for conducting consultations with the participating telecommunications companies and said the Government hoped the public-private partnership would continue to expand in support of Malaysia’s development and future. - August 12, 2026
