Today's top Malaysian news, sport and lifestyle.
Malaysia's National Day celebrations have evolved from historic Stadium Merdeka to modern Putrajaya, reflecting the nation's transformation while preserving the independence spirit that defines the country's identity and future.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin has called on Malaysians to use National Day celebrations to strengthen love for the country rather than as a venue for political disputes and boycott campaigns.
The Malaysian government has distributed 62,386 Jalur Gemilang flags across the Federal Territories since early August to mark the 2026 National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations, with officials encouraging proper flag display.
Three hundred uniformed personnel, government staff, and journalists gathered in Kuala Terengganu for a summit hike celebrating National Month, organised by media professionals to promote patriotism and agency collaboration.
The National Unity Ministry will roll out 11 major initiatives throughout 2026 to commemorate National Day and Malaysia Day, focusing on heritage, history and nation-building to reinforce Malaysian identity and social cohesion.
Bernama, Malaysia's state news agency, is intensifying efforts to promote patriotic spirit ahead of National Day celebrations. The agency is encouraging staff to display the Jalur Gemilang and disseminating government initiatives nationwide.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has called on residents to use National Month as a platform for deepening unity and patriotism, warning against actions that could compromise national harmony.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has revived the Jalur Gemilang raising ceremony in Ipoh to launch the 2026 National Month celebrations, ending a two-year absence of the patriotic tradition.
The Kembara Merdeka Jalur Gemilang convoy will continue as a key initiative to strengthen patriotism and national unity during Malaysia's 2026 National Month celebrations, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced.
More than 2,000 Malaysians of all ages participated in the Patriot Merdeka Run at the Sultan Azlan Shah Ministry of Health Training Institute in Ipoh, marking the official launch of 2026 National Month and Malaysia Day celebrations.
Malaysia's 2026 National and Malaysia Day celebrations will feature diverse special programmes including the Kembara Bahasa initiative and RIUH Merdeka countdown activities. The launch ceremony in Ipoh will be officiated by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Parliament has unveiled a short film titled "Arkitek Bangsa" designed to inspire young Malaysians to become leaders and nation-builders. The initiative complements broader youth engagement programmes aimed at strengthening democratic values.