The 1950s and 60s eras of fashion were selected as the theme for the Malaysia Day 2022 celebration at the Independence Declaration Memorial Square in Banda Hilir, Malacca.

This is to liven up the atmosphere and evoke nostalgia during the formation of Malaysia in September 1963.

National Information Department (Japen) Malacca chief Shahrom Ravin Daram Abdullah said the fashion theme will be a unique draw for this year’s celebration which expects to see about 20,000 visitors.

“I can feel that this year’s celebration will be more lively,” he said when met by reporters at his office in Malacca, recently.

He said the celebration will also highlight the state’s popular mode of transportation known as the rickshaw.

“The guests of honour and other VIPs will arrive at the venue in rickshaws accompanied by antique Vespa motorcycles, bicycles, and a band performance playing songs from the 50s and 60s.

“We also have banners written in Jawi and with old Malay spelling to evoke the era when Malaysia was formed,” he said.

Shahrom said this year’s Malaysia Day celebration will start at 8pm and urged Malaysians from all walks of life to attend by wearing traditional and ethnic costumes.

There will also be arts and culture performances as well as informational and inspirational activities to evoke a spirit of togetherness.

“These performances will be presented in the form of movement, visuals, and narration on the history of the formation of Malaysia, including monologues, poetry readings, pantomime, and infographics,” he said.

There will also be performances by local artistes such as Jamal Abdillah, Nashrudin Elias, Ernie Zakri, Jimmy Palikat, Anding, Iwere, Kenny Lee, and Radhi P Ramlee.

Advertising the event

Commenting on Japen’s preparations for the celebration, Shahrom said 610 banners and 22 billboards were installed across the state since Aug 1.

Apart from that, he said Malacca Japen, through the District Information Office, also mobilised “Info on Wheels” to make announcements on the celebration to the public.

“We are also working with the Broadcasting Department, Bernama, and the Corporate Communications Division of the Malacca Chief Minister's Department to spread the word by sharing the announcement on their respective social media platforms.

“Information on the celebration is also shared through the WhatsApp group application with 84 Malaysian Family Communities in the state,” he added.

The public is encouraged to share hashtags for all national activities through their respective social media platforms, namely #KeluargaMalaysiaTeguhBersama, #KeluargaMalaysia, #TeguhBersama, #HKHM2022, Merdeka360, and #KKOMM.

They can also visit the website www.merdeka360.my which is a hub for information on National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations.

- Bernama

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