Born on National Day, Malaysia Day: A birthday like no other
KUALA LUMPUR: For some Malaysian families, Aug 31 and Sept 16 are more than dates on the national calendar - they are birthdays, too.
Malaysia observes National Day on August 31 and Malaysia Day on September 16, which hold significant meaning for many Malaysian families. For Fasha Erma Mohd Khomari, both dates are celebrated as her children's birthdays. Her 10-year-old son Muhammad Zulkaqar Sharif was born on August 31, 2016, and her 12-year-old son Muhammad Nail Sharif on September 16, 2014. Fasha feels grateful for the special connection between her children's birthdays and Malaysia's national celebrations.
The boys themselves are happy to celebrate their birthdays with fireworks, a tradition that began when they were younger and understood the reason for their births coinciding with public holidays. Nik Fatihah Nik Mat Yusoff also appreciated the alignment of her son Anas Muadz's birth with Malaysia Day in 2016, describing it as a "blessing" and a reason for public celebrations.
Jennifer Ang's son Jayden Koh was born on August 31, 2013, the day before National Day. Jayden found the coincidence of his birthdate and the fireworks display from the hospital window to be a special moment, expressing pride in being born on National Day. Yasmine Hasan's daughter Arfa Zety Umairah Anwar, who was born in 2017 following an emergency caesarean section, celebrated her birthday during the National Day programme, happy to join other National Day babies in the festivities.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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