PPAPP officer Nur Atiqah Nadzwa Mat Radzi (left) explaining about the traditional food eaten by locals during the nation’s early years. Samples were given to the public during the celebration. — Photos: LIM BENG TATT, CHAN BOON KAI and ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
PENANG, with its rich heritage and multicultural character, was a fitting backdrop for the national Malaysia Day celebration, themed “Malaysia Madani: Rakyat Disantuni”.
Families and friends thronged Penang International Convention Cultural and Arts Centre (Picca) at Butterworth Arena for the event that was both a commemoration of history and vibrant showcase of culture, unity and community spirit.
The day began with the Malaysia Day 2025 Exhibition “Menelusuri Zaman” (Journeying Through the Eras), featuring booths from several government bodies such as Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and Penang Public Library Corporation (PPAPP).
PPAPP’s booth drew large crowds checking out its display of bound copies of old newspapers, including Straits Echo from 1963, the year Malaysia was formed.
Visitors viewing some of the antique and vintage items on display at Picca in Butterworth.
Retiree K. Subramaniam was deeply engrossed in the archive of old newspapers, turning each page with care using his gloved hands.
He was thrilled to discover a front-page report dated Sept 17, 1963, on the Federation of Malaysia’s formation.
Visitors were also treated to traditional food such as boiled tapioca, glutinous rice with anchovy sambal, salted fish and coconut, along with kuih bahulu, kuih kapit, kuih cakar ayam and kuih loyang.
Assistant librarian Samhah Zakaria explained that these simple foods reflected the struggles and resilience of Malaysians during the nation’s early years.
“During the early days of the country’s founding, many people were poor and such simple meals were common.
“Although our standard of living has improved, we should never forget the food we had in the past,” she said.
Remisier Lim Swee Hock brought his two children Pei Lin and Guan Zhong to their first Malaysia Day celebration.
“Since I live nearby, I decided to come over to check out the event,” he said.
“I was pleasantly surprised by how informative it was.
“My children now have a better understanding of how Malaysia was formed and appreciate the simple food people lived on back then.”
The exhibition also showcased traditional attire, antique radios and televisions, vintage bicycles as well as brassware.
Library staff Syariful Nahar Math Saat, Muhammad Akmal Jaffri and Mohamad Shamir Izad Ismail stood out in their 1960s fashion that was reminiscent of Malaysia’s most beloved and versatile entertainer – Tan Sri P. Ramlee.
Meanwhile, the library’s colouring contest, offering RM750 in total prizes, proved to be a hit among the young.
Accounts manager S. Kasturi, said her children A. Thaarvesh and A. Gesshika were excited to experience Malaysia Day first-hand by participating in the contest.
“They were very excited to attend after I explained to them what the celebration was about,” she said, adding that it helped promote bonding between Malaysians.
Salawati Zulkifli said her daughters Uzma Hawa Kushina and Yusrina Rin Nohara joined the contest when they chanced upon it while checking out the festivities.
“This event truly promotes what Malaysia is all about.
“It is one way to expose our children to the nation’s multicultural spirit,” said the housewife from Klang, Selangor.
Many people were also attracted to a display of vintage broadcast equipment such as gramophones and radios.
The display belonged to Mutiara FM, a radio station managed by Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM).
Chew (centre) and his son Khai Jie, dressed in ‘baju melayu’, checking out the gramophones, vinyl records and other vintage broadcast and music equipment at the Mutiara FM radio station.
Teacher Chew Hock Kiang said the gramophones and radios reminded him of time spent with his father listening to RTM broadcasts.
He was seen with his son Khai Jie, who proudly wore a baju melayu for the occasion.
“He especially wanted to wear the outfit when my wife and I told him we were taking him to the Malaysia Day celebrations,” said Chew.
Fahmi (kneeling, centre) posing for a photo with visitors while making his rounds during the event.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil was seen engaging with exhibitors and visitors as he visited the booths.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim launched the main celebration at night.
He was joined by Penang Governor Tun Ramli Ngah Talib, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
The ‘Rentak Tradisi Pulau Mutiara’ showcase blending Penang’s iconic art forms, namely Joget Joghee, Chinese opera and Boria, performed by more than 200 dancers from several cultural troupes.
A highlight was the “Rentak Tradisi Pulau Mutiara” cultural extravaganza, where more than 200 dancers performed Penang’s iconic art forms – Joget Joghee, Chinese opera and Boria.
A solemn yet historic moment came when Anwar, Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Douglas Uggah Embas and Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya signed the Malaysia Day Commemorative Book, symbolising the nation’s enduring unity.
