Penang Street Art (Tunku Abdul Rahman Merdeka Mural)

An art mural featuring the iconic Tunku Abdul Rahman’s Merdeka portrait spotted at the Smiling Buffalo cafe at Victoria Street in George Town.

31 August is Hari Merdeka or National Day in Malaysia, also known as the Independence Day.

Malaysia Independence Day

On 31 August 1957, while independence was declared in Kuala Lumpur, Penang also held its own Merdeka celebrations at the Esplanade (Padang Kota Lama). Thousands of people gathered there to witness the Union Jack being lowered and the new Malayan flag raised for the first time in Penang. The Esplanade has since remained a key venue for Penang’s annual Merdeka Day parades and celebrations.