KUCHING: Malaysia’s formation, from a 1961 idea to a 1963 proclamation, unfolds through 20 tunnel panels in a new exhibition launched here today, timed for the run-up to Hari Malaysia on Sept 16.
Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil and Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah jointly officiated the National-level Hari Malaysia 2026 exhibition at the Atrium Utama, Plaza Merdeka here.
Themed “Koridor Zaman Pembentukan Malaysia” (Corridor of Malaysia’s Formative Years), the exhibition, running until Sept 16, is coordinated by the Department of Information Malaysia (JAPEN) through JAPEN Sarawak, tracing the country’s formation through five segments: the Formation Timeline, Formation Documents, Committees and Commissions, a Gallery of Figures, and a Nationhood Gallery.
Fahmi encouraged the public to visit the exhibition, noting it contained many lesser-known facts about the country’s formation.
“I encourage the public to come and see for themselves — there is much we may not know, and this is authentic, true and accurate information.”
Abdul Karim said the exhibition’s history tunnel gave young Sarawakians a rare chance to understand how Malaysia was formed.
“Not many of us know how the country came to be formed, and this is why we return to see it, so we can better appreciate how Malaysia was established.”
He said the national-level Hari Malaysia celebration would be held on Sept 16 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), attended by the Prime Minister, the Sabah Chief Minister and the Premier, and urged Malaysians to follow the event on television.
Fahmi advised those planning to attend the BCCK event to wear face masks, preferably N95, as a precaution should haze conditions persist, noting the health advisory was also applied during the Merdeka Day celebration in Putrajaya.
He added that mini versions of the exhibition are being held simultaneously in 10 divisions across Sarawak, as well as in Sabah and Putrajaya, alongside cultural performances and a fireworks display at the Kuching Waterfront on the closing night.
Also present were Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah and JAPEN director-general Erwin Khairul Ahmad.
