Brands usher in Merdeka this year with exciting giveaways, gastronomic delights and outdoor activities 

PETALING JAYA, August 25 — Many brands are gearing up for a festive Merdeka season this year after a gloomy and quiet one the past two years due to the pandemic-induced lockdowns.

This year, keep a lookout for brands and events that are coming up with exciting gifts, drawing and physical competitions and gastronomic delights to bring joy to Malaysians this Merdeka.

Here are some of the brands, promotions and array of activities that you can check out this Merdeka season:

1) Milo joins in the celebrations

Milo trucks will be serving free beverages throughout the #MalaysiaBolehBersamaMILO campaign. — Picture courtesy of Milo

This Merdeka, Milo has its #MalaysiaBolehBersamaMILO campaign to celebrate the spirit of unity and tenacity. It will culminate in an energetic celebration at Dataran Merdeka on Malaysia Day, which will include the Larian Malaysia Boleh Bersama Milo, which is a 2.5 kilometre fun run.

Prior to that there will be a host of activities throughout the country. The Milo Van Unity Tour will see the famous Abang Milo staff travel across Malaysia to give out the malt drink.

Malaysians will also get free Milo drinks when they order predetermined set meals at any of the eight restaurant chains across 1,400 participating outlets. The KL Tower will also be lit up in the classic Milo green colour on the night of Merdeka.

2) Subway Malaysia’s authentic Sabweh wrappers

Ng's creation, Sabweh, has become a hit among fans online after many decided to buy Subway sandwiches just to keep the wrappers. — Picture via Twitter/@ernestngBRO

Local artist and cartoonist Ernest Ng, famed for his comic strip’s popular webcomic series, Bro, Don’t Like That La, Bro has come up with the cute character Sabweh, Malaysia’s own Subway Malaysia’s mascot.

If you go to Subway this month, you will notice that the paper wrapping ada lain sikit. That's because it's got my artwork on it! Karekter Sabweh dari kelas #smkfastfood! Sempat juga selit signature kat tepi just in case mak aku tak percaya. TQ Subway Malaysia for this collab! pic.twitter.com/L9NLU30uXk

— Ernest Ng Bro (@ernestngBRO) August 2, 2022

“If you go to Subway this month, you will notice the paper wrapping ada lain sikit (different).

“That’s because it’s got my artwork on it,” Ng wrote on his Twitter account.

Many took to Twitter to share how they’ve re-purposed the wrapper to make paper boats and various Origami designs.

Bahtera Merdeka https://t.co/MaWHPS7bUk pic.twitter.com/E4tsp9wgWq

— .---..-.-.--™ (@xaminyx) August 4, 2022

3) Apom’s #empatbelas to support local artists

Support local artists this Merdeka by purchasing #empatbelas merchandise available online and in physical stores like Bangsar Village and Suria KLCC. — Picture via Apom

Local retail brand A piece of Malaysia (Apom) is collaborating with Pos Malaysia to feature 14 selected designers and artists across 14 different states of Malaysia to reimagine their state pride on various merchandise.

This is in line with Apom’s objectives of being a brand about Malaysian culture to showcase local talents and to create a network between designers from different states

During the pandemic last year, Apom successfully launched #empatbelas where it worked remotely with designers from 14 states to come up with designs — and a percentage of sales from merchandise was given back to designers.

On May 15 this year, Apom released the call for entries for #empatbelas and received over 80 over submissions - where the winning 14 designers and artists were announced on May 31.

And for this year, the winning designers will have their artwork officially printed on stamps that will be sold in limited quantities as collectables.

Various #empatbelas merchandise tees, totes, mugs and phone cases will be available from August 16 through Apom’s online store and physical stores at Bangsar Village and Suria KlCC.

4) Drawing contests by MBO Cinemas and Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur

Drawing contests by some of the bigger names such as Four Points by Sheraton KL is inviting everyone to take part in its drawing competition titled Patriotism this year till August 26. — Picture via Facebook/Four Points Sheraton

Earn some fantastic prizes by showing off your artistic talents to win a stay at the Four Points Sheraton Kuala Lumpur or get free movie tickets at MBO Cinemas this Merdeka season.

While Sheraton Kuala Lumpur is offering anyone to join the drawing contest with its Patriotism theme, MBO cinemas meanwhile is only opening its drawing contest to children — aged from five to nine and 10 to 15 years old in two separate categories.

5) Free tickets to Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park for August babies

August babies can claim a free one-day ticket at Genting SkyWorlds this Merdeka season. — Picture via Facebook/GentingRewardsMalaysia

Born in August and just longing to have a fun-filled day at the newly-opened Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park?

Now is your chance to celebrate your big day by getting a free ticket to the theme park.

From August 1 till the end of this month, the first 57 guests born in August are eligible to redeem a complimentary Genting SkyWorlds one-day ticket at the ticketing counter.

6) Merdeka running and cycling activities

Pic 6: Get sweaty and burn off those calories this Merdeka season by taking part in various runs and cycling events. — Picture via Facebook/SJ Echo.

Many outdoor activities are happening this Merdeka season to help Malaysians get into the fit mode this year.

One of them is the Merdeka Fun Ride 2022 where participants can admire Subang Jaya city while riding on their bicycle for a distance of 25km.

Reasonably priced at RM38, cycling enthusiasts should take part and invite their friends and family members to join in the fun.