PENANG will play host to the 2025 Malaysia Day celebration, which will take place at the PICCA @ Arena Butterworth Convention Centre on 16 September. The event is scheduled to begin at 8.30pm and will be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil confirmed the venue following a main committee meeting held at Komtar today, which he co-chaired with Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
“Malaysia Day celebrations are sometimes held in open venues, such as last year’s event at Padang Merdeka in Kota Kinabalu, or in indoor venues like Stadium Perpaduan in Kuching. This year, the Cabinet has agreed that the celebration will rotate between Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia,” Bernama cited Fahmi saying.
“This decision aims to strengthen unity among Malaysians and enhance the spirit of patriotism across regions,” he added.
Also in attendance at the meeting were Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, Penang state secretary Datuk Zulkifli Long, Bernama Chief Executive Officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, and senior officials from the Communications Ministry and the Penang state government.
Fahmi said he would inspect the PICCA venue later in the day to review preparations and event content. He also instructed the Information Department and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to organise community-focused programmes leading up to the event through the MADANI Community and National Information Dissemination Centre.
“These events will add vibrancy to the Malaysia Day and National Day celebrations and give them deeper meaning for the local population,” he said.
The celebration will be attended by the Yang Dipertua Negeri of Penang Tun Ramli Ngah Talib, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, and Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Chief Minister Chow expressed his gratitude for Penang being chosen as the host state, pledging full cooperation with the federal government.
“In the spirit of Malaysia, I sincerely thank the Federal Government for including Peninsular states in the rotation of this important celebration. We welcome this opportunity and will work closely to ensure its success,” said Chow.
He said Penang has already mobilised a main committee, working committee, and 16 sub-committees dedicated to preparing for the national celebration.
“With ample time ahead, I am confident that all preparations will proceed smoothly towards a memorable and successful Malaysia Day celebration,” he added.
This year’s event marks another milestone in the Federal Government’s effort to foster national unity through inclusive and rotational celebrations, allowing citizens across Malaysia to participate in commemorating the nation's founding. - June 30, 2025
