By: Zaidul Khair Bin Jungkim
KOTA KINABALU: Sept 16, 2026 – The 2026 Sabah State-Level Malaysia Day Celebration emphasises the well-being of the people as its main focus through economic opportunities, community harmony, security, access to amenities, a healthy environment and cultural preservation.
Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry bin Ariffin, who is also chairman of the main organising committee for the 2026 Sabah State-Level Malaysia Day Celebration, said the theme “Malaysia MADANI: Kesejahteraan Dinikmati” (Malaysia MADANI: Well-Being Enjoyed) carries a development message that must be viewed from a human perspective.
“Well-being must be felt in life through economic opportunities, community harmony, security, access to amenities, a healthy environment and the confidence that our children’s future will be better,” he said.
Jafry said Sabah’s cultural wealth, expressed through dance, music, language, customs, handicraft, food and the people’s way of life, serves as a bridge connecting the people.
“Getting to know each other’s cultures builds respect. The respect that grows strengthens unity,” he said.
Environmental aspects were also given attention, with mountains, rainforests, rivers, islands and seas as tourism assets, sources of livelihood and part of Sabah’s identity.
“The well-being enjoyed today will not be complete if development compromises the environment that should be inherited by our children and grandchildren,” he said.
The celebration in conjunction with the 63rd anniversary of the formation of Malaysia was also enlivened by a Tahlil and Doa Selamat ceremony, a history exhibition by the Sabah State Archives and the Kembara Merdeka convoy.
Jafry said appreciation of history is important, especially for the younger generation, to understand the formation of Malaysia through the major decisions, negotiations, sacrifices and courage of past generations.
The celebration also highlights cultural arts as a reflection of identity, creativity and the spirit of togetherness.
Appreciation is extended to ministries, departments, security agencies, emergency agencies, technical teams, cultural arts practitioners, personnel, volunteers and all parties who made the celebration a success.
The people are urged to fly the Jalur Gemilang with pride, preserve community harmony and strengthen ties among communities.
“Happy 63rd Malaysia Day to all Malaysians.”
Source: Jabatan Penerangan Malaysia
