PUTRAJAYA: The 2026 National Day and Malaysia Day Celebration Programme (HKHM 2026) has secured RM48.63mil in sponsorship from 139 strategic partners, says Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil.
The Communications Minister said the amount represented a significant increase of more than 118% compared with RM22.3mil last year.
"Of the total, RM2.7mil is in cash, while the remaining RM45.93mil is in the form of goods and services.
"Of the total sponsorship value, 50% is in the form of promotional support, 30% comprises goods to be distributed to visitors, while the remaining 20% is sponsorship for committees involved in organising HKHM 2026," he said at the handover ceremony here Wednesday (Aug 12).
Also present were Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching and Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah.
He said all cash contributions would be channelled into the Merdeka Secretariat Trust Account to cover preparations for the celebrations, while the goods would be distributed to members of the public attending the National Day celebration at Dataran Putrajaya on Aug 31 and the Malaysia Day celebration at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), Sarawak.
"I assure you that every sen and every contribution received will be managed and utilised transparently, prudently and responsibly to support the organisation of HKHM 2026's main and supporting activities," he said.
He announced that the Finance Ministry had approved HKHM 2026 as a project of national interest under Section 44(11C) of the Income Tax Act 1967.
"This means that, in addition to tax relief for cash contributions, individuals and companies that make in-kind contributions from April 1 to Sept 16, 2026 can claim a tax deduction of up to 10% of their aggregate income for the current year of assessment, subject to a limit of RM15mil," he said.
Fahmi also announced that the government, through the Communications Ministry and in collaboration with five telecommunications service providers, namely CelcomDigi, Maxis, TM, U Mobile and YES, would offer the RAHMAH HKHM 2026 Rebate Incentive.
Under the initiative, all eligible Malaysian citizens using prepaid and postpaid services will receive 10GB of free data, comprising 5GB on National Day and another 5GB on Malaysia Day.
He said the redemption method and period for the free data would be announced by the participating telecommunications companies, subject to their respective terms and conditions.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) on the initiative will be uploaded on the Communications Ministry's website soon, he added. - Bernama
