Merdeka Day

Merdeka Day

August 31Merdeka Day is a national holiday in Malaysia to commemorate its merdeka, or independence, from the British in 1957. Parts of Malaysia were under the rule of various foreign powers for centuries, but by the 1920s all the states eventually comprising Malaysia were ruled by Britain. The Federation of Malaya was founded in 1957 and Malaysia was formed in 1963.
The streets of towns and cities are decorated on this day, and there are numerous parades, exhibitions, and stage shows.
CONTACTS:
Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board
818 W. 7th St., Ste. 970
Los Angeles, CA 90017
800-336-6842 or 213-689-9702; fax: 213-689-1530
www.tourismmalaysiausa.com
SOURCES:
AnnivHol-2000, p. 144
GdWrldFest-1985, p. 131
IntlThFolk-1979, p. 267