Visit these Places this Hari Merdeka to Enjoy the Festivities

Hari Merdeka, also known as National Day, is Malaysia’s Day of Independence. The Malayan Declaration of Independence came into effect on August 31, 1957. The people of Malaysia celebrate this day by attending and participating in various ceremonies. It is a time of joy and patriotic fervor in the country. If you are visiting Malaysia towards the end of August, you need to stay for the Hari Merdeka celebrations and enjoy the true spirit of the country.

You can book bus tickets online and enjoy the parades, and fireworks on major spots that celebrate the spirit of Malaysia on this day. 

History of Hari Merdeka

Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia’s first prime minister, started negotiations with the British to gain independence. Along with a delegation of ministers, Tunku Abdul Rahman visited London and held talks with the British. On February 8, 1956, they came to an agreement that would grant Malaysia independence. However, the proclamation of Independence only happened a year later, on August 31, 1957. 

Before midnight, the lights of the Merdeka Square in Kuala Lumpur were switched off. The prime minister arrived and, along with the youth division members of the Alliance Party, observed two minutes of darkness. At midnight, the lights were switched on, and those who had gathered at the square witnessed the handover of power from the British to the Malaysian people. The Malaysian Flag was hoisted, and Negaraku, the national anthem of Malaysia, was sung. The celebrations continued on the morning of August 31, 1957.

This tradition has continued to date, and every year, on Independence Day, the people of Malaysia celebrate their freedom. The celebrations will happen this year, too with people greeting and cheering “Selamat Hari Merdeka”. The day is significant to the Malay people as it commemorates the declaration of Independence and pays homage to those who fought for the freedom of the people of Malaysia.  

Celebrating Hari Merdeka

Like any other national holiday, Hari Merdeka witnesses great pomp and show. It is a public holiday and the people of Malaysia gather in Merdeka Square. The main events include singing the national anthem followed by the Merdeka Parade. The parade is a visually appealing display of the different cultures in the country and nicely captures the spirit of Malaysia. From hoisting the national flag to many patriotic performances, traditional games, and competitions, Hari Merdeka celebrations are a spectacular event for everyone in the audience.

People dress up in traditional clothes, wave flags, and decorate their homes and cars with national colors and to add to the visual delight, fireworks are set off during the night. The celebrations are grand, and if you are visiting, you must experience them. If you happen to visit during the Malaysian Independence Day, you can watch the parade, enjoy the shows and soak in the patriotism, and festivities in the air.

Hari Merdeka 2024 Theme

Kuala Lumpur is gearing up for a grand 67th National Day celebration on August 31st with the theme “Madani Malaysia: Jiwa Merdeka” (Soul of Independence). This “independent soul” signifies freedom from negativity in expressing patriotism. It emphasizes unity through shared thoughts, social integration, and economic collaboration. The theme celebrates the country’s diverse communities while fostering a strong national identity.

National celebrations kick off on July 13th with the launch of National Month and the “Waving of the Jalur Gemilang” campaign. Festivities culminate in a grand parade on August 31st in Putrajaya, followed by Malaysia Day celebrations in Sabah on September 16th. This year’s “1 Rumah 1 Jalur Gemilang” initiative encourages families to proudly display the national flag, fostering patriotism within homes. Remember to fly a Jalur Gemilang in good condition, representing our national pride as responsible citizens.

The festivities will kick off at 7am at Dataran Putrajaya and feature a variety of attractions, including a brass band performance, security force parades, decorated car displays, an aerial performance by the Malaysian Armed Forces, and showcases of Malaysian art, human graphics, and unarmed combat. Over 8,000 public seats, 40 food trucks, and 7,600 parking spaces will be available for the public’s convenience.

Places to Explore on Hari Merdeka

Hari Merdeka is celebrated across Malaysia with lots of cheer and celebrations galore, but there are some places where the festivities are truly remarkable. You can visit these historic locations around the country by bus, or cab.

Dataran Merdeka 

To experience the spirit of Hari Merdeka, you need to visit Dataran Merdeka. This is the site where Malaysia acquired independence. Dataran Merdeka or Merdeka Square is a prime tourist location at the center of Kuala Lumpur. This place is the starting point of the Merdeka Parade, where a number of performances take place on Merdeka Day.

How to Reach: You can take a bus to Dataran Merdeka from any city in Malaysia.

National Monument

The National Monument pays tribute to the soldiers who fought for an independent Malaysia. The monument is made of bronze and is a display of seven soldiers carrying the national flag. You can visit it on Hari Merdeka to learn about Malaysia’s struggle for independence. 

How to Reach: The National Monument is near Merdeka Square, and you can easily book bus tickets online to reach here.

Islamic Arts Museum

To celebrate Malaysian Independence Day 2022, you can visit the Islamic Arts Museum. It is the most prominent Islamic museum in southeast Asia and is home to many artifacts. The museum is the best place to learn about the history and culture of Malaysia. 

How to Reach: The Islamic Arts Museum is in Kuala Lumpur, so you can take a bus to the museum. You can also take a cab, which will likely be more expensive.

Sultan Abdul Samad Building 

Hari Merdeka celebrations are incomplete without a visit to the heritage buildings. Sultan Abdul Samad Building is one such location that you must visit. It houses the Ministry of Information and is also a monument of historical importance in Malaysia. The building is unique because of its blend of Moorish and Gothic architecture. 

How to Reach: You can book bus tickets from any nearby city to reach Kuala Lumpur. You can also travel by cab, but buses are frequent and affordable. 

Takeaway

Hari Merdeka is a momentous occasion in Malaysia’s history, and also the best time to experience the culture of Malaysia. So, plan your next trip to Malaysia during this time and book bus tickets online on redBus to go on a sightseeing tour to witness the celebrations.

To know about online bus booking in Malay, please visit – Tiket Bas Online

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