5 easy ways to show our patriotism this National Day!

Malaysia is celebrating its 63rd Independence Day today. The day will go down in history as the first time the National Day Parade, held every year to celebrate the nation’s freedom, will not be held.

That said, while Malaysians are still under the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO), there are still many ways for us to show our love for their country.

1. Watch Merdeka-themed shows

Instilling our love for the nation can be as easy as tuning into some amazing Merdeka content

This year, we can know more about the life of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and his installation as the 16th King of Malaysia in a two-part documentary titled, “Bertakhta Di Hati Rakyat “directed by Basir Siswo.

In “Malaysia vs Covid-19” directed by Lina Tan, we can also explore the stories of COVID-19 patients and families, along with the frontliners and volunteers who have all come together to help one another in a time of crisis.

Catch these Merdeka specials and more only on Astro, Astro GO, and On Demand

2. Visit our museums

One of the best ways to learn more about our beloved country is to visit the many museums and galleries showcasing the vast history of Malaysia.

The National Museum serves as an excellent introduction to Malaysia’s cultural, economic and social landscape throughout the years. It records details from the prehistoric era to present time with artefacts and artworks that best explain how the country became what it is known today.

Another must-visit for those who would like to explore the intricate beauty of the religion of Islam, Malaysia’s national religion, is the Islamic Arts Museum. Known as the largest Islamic museum in

South East Asia, it houses arts and artefacts from Quranic manuscripts to coin collections from various parts of the world.

3. Supporting local products

The COVID-9 pandemic has proven hard for most people who have lost their income or left out of jobs. Hence, why it is now more important than ever to show our support for fellow Malaysians by buying from local brands and small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

See that handmade batik headband that you like? Buy one, or even two, so fellow Malaysians can keep their businesses afloat and continue to make ends meet especially during this tough time.

A quick search on Google or social media platforms will land you to the many local businesses from our gifted entrepreneurs. Be sure to include the hashtag #SupportLokal!

4. Explore our national parks

While we are still under international travel restriction, that doesn’t mean we should stop exploring what Malaysia has to offer.

Malaysia has more than 30 national parks designated for nature conservation that is well worth the visit.

Explore one of the oldest primary rainforest in the world at Taman Negara National Park and be awed by the 4,344 sq.km area filled with nature and wildlife, complete with amenities and attractions that are fully accessible to all visitors.

For sea lovers, Tunku Abdul Rahman is a marine park in Sabah that covers about 12,185 acres of sea territory comprising of five islands just 3 kilometres offshore from Kota Kinabalu. Dive into the crystal-clear waters and be amazed by the beautiful coral reefs that are unlike any other.

5. Register to vote

Possibly the best way to show our patriotism is to uphold our civic duty and register to vote.

If you’re a law-abiding Malaysian citizen who is at least 21 years old, you are eligible to register as a voter.

Voting entitles us to have a say in the direction that the country is going, and it is a right that should be exercised by all citizens.

The general election happens once every five years with Malaysia’s 15th general election due in 2023. However, with the current state of Malaysian politics, it may just come much sooner.

So, don’t forget to register and for more information, visit the official webpage of the Election Commission.