Residents of Salak South New Village in Kuala Lumpur are set to celebrate Malaysia Day and the Mid-Autumn Festival jointly in an event scheduled for September 25 at the Community Hall’s basketball court. The evening's activities will begin at 6 p.m. and include performances, games, and a lantern procession.
The annual event, which has been held for approximately 20 years, aims to engage people of all ages, with a special focus on children. Organising chairman and Salak South Village MCA branch deputy chairman, Banie Chin, said the celebration features a variety of performances such as singing, Latin dance, and lion dance, as well as lucky draws and games to provide entertainment for families.
At 8 p.m., children will receive lanterns to join a 2-kilometer procession around the new village, where some will perform traditional Mid-Autumn Festival songs. The combined celebration of Malaysia Day and the Mid-Autumn Festival highlights the multicultural identity of Malaysia and allows residents to come together in unity.
“Malaysia Day belongs to every Malaysian,” Chin said. He emphasized that celebrating the events simultaneously offers an opportunity to share cultural traditions more broadly and fosters stronger community bonds.
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also called the Moon Festival, falls on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese lunar calendar, marking the time when the moon is believed to be at its fullest and brightest. This year’s date coincides with the September 25 celebration. Traditionally, the festival centers on family reunions, moon appreciation, and sharing mooncakes, which symbolize completeness and unity. Lanterns are also a key feature, representing hope, fortune, and guidance.
Chin noted the importance of maintaining these traditions, especially as younger generations become less familiar with the festival’s meanings. “If we do not create opportunities for children to experience them, they may eventually know the festival only as a date on the calendar,” he said, stressing the need for active participation to keep the customs alive.
He encouraged older family members to bring children to the event to share past memories and ensure the continuation of the festival’s spirit. “The festival is not just about lanterns or mooncakes. It is about bringing families and neighbours together,” Chin added.
The programme will also include a mooncake-cutting ceremony. Complimentary dinners and LED lanterns will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis, with 300 sets available. Organizers expect around 500 residents to attend. The event is hosted by the Salak South New Village Community Hall Welfare Association and co-organized by seven local associations.