Kuala lumpur: The National Day and Malaysia Day (HKHM) 2025 celebrations have attracted more than RM22 million in sponsorship from 113 strategic partners, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said today. He stated that the contributions comprise RM1.9 million in cash and RM20.24 million in goods and services.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, this marks nearly a five-fold increase compared to last year. Fahmi expressed his appreciation to all sponsors for their commitment during the Sponsorship Handover Ceremony by HKHM 2025 Strategic Partners at Menara Komunikasi. The event was attended by Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, deputy secretary-general (Strategic Communications and Creative Industry) Nik Kamaruzaman Nik Husin, and representatives of the strategic partners and sponsors.
Fahmi explained that all cash contributions would be channelled to the Merdeka Secretariat Trust Account (AASM) to fund preparations, while goods would be distributed to the public at the events at Dataran Putrajaya on August 31 and Dewan PICCA, Butterworth on September 16. He also announced that the Finance Ministry has approved HKHM 2025 as a national interest project under subsection 44(11C) of the Income Tax Act 1967. This approval allows all contributors to HKHM 2025 to be eligible for tax deductions from May 1 to September 16, subject to a maximum of RM20 million.
Fahmi highlighted that, in addition to tax deductions for cash contributions, individuals and companies making in-kind contributions may also claim up to 10 per cent of their aggregate income for the current year of assessment. He noted that this year's theme, 'Malaysia MADANI: Rakyat Disantuni', reflects the government's commitment to strengthening national development based on humanitarian values, social well-being, and justice.
He emphasized the importance of close collaboration between the public and private sectors for the success of HKHM 2025, through initiatives such as the Fly the Jalur Gemilang campaign, the Merdeka Sales Campaign, parades, and media publicity. Fahmi expressed hopes that this strong strategic partnership will continue to flourish for the prosperity of the nation.