It’s that time of the year again, folks.
Hari Kebangsaan is back, and we’ll be celebrating Malaysia’s 67th year of independence. This year’s theme is “Malaysia Madani: Jiwa Merdeka”.
For those who want to be a part of the celebrations, there will be the annual Hari Kebangsaan Parade on August 31, 2024, at Dataran Putrajaya starting from 7AM.
According to Bernama, there will be complimentary water taxi services available at five locations in Putrajaya to facilitate movement from parking areas to Dataran Putrajaya.
But aside from that, there are also other ways of celebrating this year’s Hari Kebangsaan. From Malaysia-themed F&B offerings to patriotic performances and contests, here is a non-exhaustive list of 10 Merdeka deals and specials to get your hands on this Hari Merdeka.
Food and beverages
1. Mokky’s Pizza & Coffee
Founded in 2022, Mokky’s Pizza & Coffee has been serving customers in both its Bukit Jelutong and Bukit Tunku outlets for some time and gained a steady influx of diners. Oh, and did we mention that they’re aiming to overtake global brands to be the go-to pizza spot in Malaysia?
To celebrate Hari Kebangsaan, they’re launching two new localised menu offerings—12” Kerabu Pizza (RM33) and Tempeh Melt Sticks (RM19). The Kerabu Pizza combines the traditional flavours of Nasi Kerabu with an Ayam Bakar Percik base sauce. On the other hand, the Tempeh Melt Sticks are rich in cheese and nutty flavours.
They sent us both dishes to try, and we’ll admit, we were intrigued and even slightly confused by these at first. But the flavours blend together quite well, with some of us from the Vulcan Post team even going back for seconds.
These special menu items will be available 28 August 28 to September 16, 2024 at both of its outlets.
2. Gong Cha
Founded in 2006, Taiwan’s Gong Cha has made a name for itself in the Malaysian bubble tea scene. Loyal fans of the beverage brand are in for a treat this Merdeka season.
The brand recently just launched an Independence Day series featuring modern Bandung flavours:
Bandung Milk Tea with Pearl
Milk Tea Smoothie with Bandung Milk Foam
Rose Lemonade with Basil Seeds
This series is available at all Gong Cha outlets from August 16 to September 16, 2024. Besides that, walk-in customers can enjoy 67% off your second cup on August 31, 2024.
3. IKEA
Aside from bagging national day deals at IKEA, you could also try a variety of special promotions at their in-house restaurant.
From August 5 until September 30, 2024, you can expect to find seasonal menu items like Apam Balik cake and Nasi Lemak with Salmon fillet. Some of their popular meals including Baked Salmon and Plant Ball pasta are being dished out at a discounted price too.
These are available at all of IKEA’s outlets in Malaysia.
4. Baskin Robbins
To cool off after a day out, Baskin Robbins Malaysia is offering a limited-time Merdeka promotion. When customers buy two of its Single King ice cream or Junior Milkshake, the second one is just RM6.70.
If you’re looking for flavours that scream Malaysia, Baskin Robbins has released a special Sambal Sundae (RM15.50). The topping is made with the popular Grab Signatures Village Park Nasi Lemak Sambal that’s spicy, fragrant, and “oh-so-savoury”.
You can choose this with your favourite ice cream flavour to make it uniquely yours. Baskin Robbins recommends having this with the following flavours: Coconut, Peanut Butter Chocolate, It Takes Two To Mango, and Chocolate.
These are available at all of Baskin Robbins’ outlets in Malaysia.
5. Inside Scoop
Another ice cream brand, homegrown Inside Scoop recently introduced three new flavours in its Lokal Legend collection to commemorate Hari Merdeka 2024.
They are: Choco Malt, Chocolate Indulgence, Tiramisu Almond Chocolate, and a surprise flavour that’s available for a limited period only. These are made in collaboration with Secret Recipe, Farm Fresh, and Beryl’s.
Customers can find these special flavours at all of Inside Scoop’s outlets around Malaysia.
6. Mykori
If you’d like to have both sweet and savoury Merdeka dishes at the same spot, Mykori might be a good option.
The 8-year-old Japanese dessert house has released a few interesting options as part of its Merdeka menu, including Mykori Geprek Chikin Burger and Charcoal Fried Chikin Masak Lomak Sauce.
Both of these are inspired by local favourites geprek ayam and lemak chili api. Considering how spicy the traditional dishes are, we’d recommend asking its staff of the spice levels just in case you can’t take the heat.
Aside from that, there’s also the Banana Brûlée Series that’s available in different forms: kakigori, waffle, baby toast, and frappe. With a minimum spending of RM50 at Mykori, customers are able to redeem 31% off for one item in their bill too.
This menu is available at all its outlets in West Malaysia from August 1 to September 30, 2024.
7. JIBRIL
A staple at SS15, local butter chicken restaurant JIBRIL’s Merdeka Party Box returns this year in celebration of Hari Kebangsaan.
This special box (RM59.90) includes JIBRIL’s Salted Egg Butter Squid, Salted Egg Butter Fish, BBQ Chicken Wings, French Fries, and two Salt Cola. According to the restaurant, this deal provides a savings of RM19.50.
This limited time offer is only available from August 15 to August 31, 2024. So if you’ve been craving some JIBRIL, now would be a good time to order.
8. Boost Juice Bars
If juice is more your thing, Boost Juice Bars is toasting to Malaysia’s 67th birthday with all new lychee-inspired drinks. Because let’s face it, durian isn’t the only fruit we locals love.
These drinks are:
Raspberry Lychee: A fusion of lychee, raspberries, apple juice, and strawberry yoghurt
Mangopine Lychee: A tropical paradise drink made of lychee, mango, pineapple juice, mango nectar, and creamy vanilla yoghurt
Apple Lychee: A crisp combination of lychee and apple juice paired with a refreshing sorbet
This promotion is available at all of its outlets nationwide.
Entertainment and activities
9. Vocal performance @ BoboKL
You’ve seen the Merdeka Parades and visited the national monuments nearby, so why not treat yourself to something different this year, like attending a performance at BoboKL?
On August 27, 2024, local singer Kirana Kay will be serenading the crowd with Malaysian hits. Some setlist songs you can sing along to are classics like “31 Ogos”, “Aduh Sayang”, “Rindu Bayangan”, and “Embun”.
Tickets are available at RM50 per pax, and they can be purchased here.
10. Visit KL Tower
If you’re like me and haven’t stepped foot in the iconic KL Tower, now is a great time to take advantage of its Merdeka deals.
In commemoration of our national day, KL Tower is having a large discount for locals. Malaysian citizens can get 60% off their entry tickets for the Sky Deck, Observation Deck, and Tower Walk 100.
This limited-time offer is available from August 1 to September 16, 2024.
Read other articles we’ve written about Malaysian startups here.
Featured Image Credit: Gong Cha / Baskin Robbins / Mykori
