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.
A view of the MARA Building from an alley way in George Town. The building is painted similarly to the colors of the Malaysia national flag.
Hari Merdeka is the National Day of Malaysia which falls on 31st August.
Today marks Malaysia’s 59th Merdeka Day or National Day.
Today (31 August) marks the Merdeka Day or Hari Merdeka of Malaysia. This is the 58th national day since Malaysia’s independence in 1957.
