Merdeka Awards for Nicol, Mercy Malaysia and 6 others

On August 31, 2026, the 2026 Merdeka Award recipients were announced, honoring eight individuals for their exceptional contributions to Malaysia. Former world squash champion Nicol David and Mercy Malaysia were among the esteemed honourees. Nicol received the award for her outstanding achievements in humanities, arts, and sports, while Mercy Malaysia was recognized for its remarkable contributions to education and community service.

Other recipients included national linguistic icon Emeritus Prof Asmah Omar for academic excellence, turtle conservationist Prof Chan Eng Heng for environmental and planetary health, and two-time Paralympic gold medallist and badminton player Cheah Liek Hou for the Merdeka Award for Hope. Three academicians were also acknowledged: Emeritus Prof Aini Ideris and Prof Emerita Asma Ismail for their contributions to science, technology, and innovation, and Prof Emeritus Omar Abdul Rahman for his lifelong dedication to advancing these fields in Malaysia.

The awards were presented by the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, who chairs the Merdeka Award trust. Nicol David expressed that the recognition surpassed anything she had accomplished in her sporting career, describing it as a moment far greater than her professional titles and numerous awards. Mercy Malaysia president Ahmad Faizal Perdaus emphasized that the award celebrated not only the organization's achievements over 27 years but also the collective spirit of service demonstrated by thousands of Malaysians, with Mercy Malaysia having conducted over 500 humanitarian missions in more than 35 countries since its establishment in 1999.