PENANG will host Malam Citra Malaysia @ Penang for the first time at Bertam Street Market, Kepala Batas, on Sept 19 from 8pm to midnight, to foster unity and promote the country’s rich multicultural identity.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the programme, held in conjunction with Malaysia Day, will provide a platform to celebrate the nation’s diverse cultural expressions while strengthening patriotism and togetherness among Malaysians.
He added that other programmes lined up this month include the Festival Citra Malaya, scheduled at Lebuh Armenian from Sept 11 to 13, and the Festival Tanglung, which will be held at the Esplanade on Sept 19 from 5pm to 11pm. Both events will take place on the island.
Wong said Malam Citra Malaysia @ Penang 2026, themed “Citra Warisan, Jiwa Merdeka” (Heritage Expression, Independent Spirit), will feature a variety of performances, including traditional Malay, Chinese and Indian dances, singing, theatre, music and cultural showcases blending traditional and contemporary elements.
“Through this programme, we hope to highlight Malaysia’s unique cultural heritage while bringing together communities through arts, creativity and shared experiences,” he said.
Among the groups and artistes scheduled to perform are De’ Laguna Marching Band from SK Bandar Laguna Merbok, Gempita Arjuna from SMK Permatang Tok Jaya, Ritma Tari from SK Seri Permai, Orkes Delima Band from UiTM Permatang Pauh, 4 Sedhage from USIM, Sobri Ibrahim, dancers from the Penang State Secretary’s Office and Roslan Madun.
Invited Malaysian artistes are also expected to perform as part of the programme.
Wong said the event will also focus on encouraging the participation of youths, school students, university students and arts practitioners, providing them with a platform to showcase their talents and creativity.
Besides the main cultural showcase, several activities will also be held throughout the day, including the Muay Thai Inter Club Championship 2026 from 9am to 10pm, Battlezone Youth Esports 2026 from 9am to 1pm, and the Malaysia Day Colouring Contest from 2pm to 5pm.
He added that the programme will also highlight the close link between arts, community, tourism and the creative economy, further strengthening Penang’s position as a state renowned for its diverse culture, history and heritage.
The programme is expected to attract between 5,000 and 10,000 visitors, including members of the public, government representatives, higher learning institutions, youth organisations and the local community.
The event is organised by the National Malaysian Poets Association (Pemuisi) in collaboration with the Malay Students Union (GPMS) Penang Branch, Bertam Street Market, Seberang Perai Utara District Youth Council and Pertubuhan Ikatan Perpaduan Anak Pulau Pinang.
Programme director Muhammad Al-Azim Effendi thanked strategic partners, including Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Penang Youth Development Corporation (PYDC), Sunshine Bertam, Ritma Tari Permai and the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas), while the programme receives support from the National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN) Penang.
Others present at the press conference were programme secretary Nur Amirah Jamaluddin, Bertam Street Market manager Ahmad Akhmal Mohd Noor, Sunshine Central Penang senior manager (Communications & Marketing) Bryan Wong, Pertubuhan Ikatan Perpaduan Anak Pulau Pinang chairman Karma Hakim Lukman, Seberang Perai Utara District Youth Council president Muhammad Syatir Zulkefflie and Penang Youth Development Corporation deputy general manager Ong Ching Shi.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Sarbeyshwaran Rajalingam