8 Malaysian Things To Do This Merdeka Day

Malaysians will celebrate the nation's Independence Day on 31 August, most probably at home this year but it doesn't have to be boring!

August 28, 2021

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We know that for some of you guys out there, working from home really means no breaks! However, since it is MERDEKA day, let’s try to truly enjoy this holiday and indulge in some Malaysian things to do on this day. Here are 8 ideas on things you can do on Malaysia’s Independence Day this 31 August, either with the family, with friends or own your own!

1. Change your social media profile photo to show your Malaysian-ness

If you have a photo of you doing something truly Malaysia, change your profile photo temporarily to reflect that. However, if you don’t, you could also use a photo of the Malaysian flag or insert a visual such as the logo (above) for Malaysia Prihatin, the theme for Merdeka Day last year that is still used for this year. You can download the logo here: https://vectorise.net/logo/2020/07/11/malaysia-prihatin/

2. Take a virtual tour of Old Kuala Lumpur for only RM1

For many Malaysians, Kuala Lumpur is still the country’s capital city, while Putrajaya is the administrative capital. Find out more about the history of this former mining town with Uncle Tajuddin, who will share photos of the city in the olden days, and bring you (virtually) down the streets of current Kuala Lumpur. Book the one-day-only special RM1 rate on Airbnb here: https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/1804028 and enjoy the tour from the comfort of your living room. You can even make it a watch party with friends by getting them to book the same session!

3. Help out the less fortunate

Malaysians are known to be very generous. Whether helping out fellow Malaysians or international refugees, there is always an outpouring of love from this hospitable nation. What makes it even more heartwarming is that it doesn’t need prodding from any government agencies. Malaysians are happy to help as much as they can. Just take a look at how ordinary Malaysians reacted to the White Flag Movement here.

**The Angel Initiative was created not just to provide immediate relief, but also more sustainable ways of helping Malaysians and Malaysian businesses get back on their feet.**

This month, another initiative you can join is the Angels Initiative. A joint-partnership with Hunger Hurts, the program aims not only to immediate relief, but also aims to help struggling small businesses survive and become more sustainable. The founder of the initiative, Tee Teng Nee, realised that it’s not enough to provide just one-off assistance. Businesses are struggling to employ staff, have had to bootstrap and may not have the funds for much-needed marketing activities for their products. This led Tee to think of a way to gather small businesses in one platform and help promote all participants collectively. Businesses will also have a way to give back to those in need through mechanics devised under the initiative. If you’re a business owner interested in joining the Angels Initiative, find out more here.

4. Shop to help Malaysian businesses

In the mean time, if you’re looking to do some online shopping right now, check out what’s happening at RIUH 4 Malaysia, where they have curated 40 vendors offering their wares, and feature exciting activities including online concerts, art & craft classes and even tarot card readings.

Another virtual shopping event to check out is Spend Like Lokal, happening this 28 until 30 August 2021.

5. Prepare a smogasboard of your favourite Malaysian food

Or should we say, a jamuan makan of Malaysian food. Here are just some ideas for you:

6. Check out Merdeka Day specials at your favourite F&B outlets

Not big on cooking big feasts? Then order in Merdeka promotion meals for that festive factor. Here are some you might want to order or bring home:

7. Hold a Merdeka or patriotic songs karaoke night

Tanggal 31, Warisan, Setia (or more popularly known as “Demi Negara”), Saya Anak Malaysia, Sehati Sejiwa and Standing In The Eyes Of The World are some favourites we would recommend for your own Merdeka songs karaoke night – or day! With conference calls, you can share screens with family and friends and belt your hearts out together!

8. Read a great Malaysian novel

If tanggal 31 is the day when you get some me-time, how does curling up with a good book and the beverage of your choice sound to you? Here are some suggestions, both old and new, you might want to start on:

1. Salina by A Samad Said

2. The Weight of Our Sky by Hanna Alkaf

3. The Harmony Silk Factory by Tash Aw

4. The Rice Mother by Rani Manicka

5. The Soul of Malaya by Henri Fauconnier

6. The Ghost Bride by Yangsze Choo

7. Evening Is The Whole Day by Preeta Samarasan

8. Kampung Boy by LAT

We hope you’ve been inspired somewhat on what to do this Merdeka day if you haven’t made any plans yet. Whatever it is, we hope you have a great Merdeka day! Happy Independence Day, Malaysia!