Malaysia International Fireworks Competition

If you do not have any plans for the upcoming Merdeka long break (that's August 30th to September 2, 2007, for non Malaysians) do go over to Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) at Precinct 5 Putrajaya, and watch an international-level musical fireworks competition. Nations from Australia, Japan, Italy and Malaysia will be competing for the Merdeka trophy.

Competition nights :
Aug 18 - Malaysia
Aug 22 - Australia
Aug 25 - Italy
Aug 30 - Japan
Sep 2 - Grand Finale

Fireworks display nights :
Aug 19, 24, 31 and Sep 1.


The fireworks can be seen across the lake overlooking the grand Seri Gemilang bridge. The fireworks performances and competition started on Aug 18 and is leading up to Merdeka Day, August 31,2007, Malaysia's 50th year of Independence. Be dazzled by the choreographed displays of fireworks, for at least 10 - 30 minutes per night, starting from 10 pm.

The competition is free for the public but people wanting to watch from inside the PICC will have to pay RM38.50 a person and RM148.50 for a buffet dinner.

Be early to get good viewing spot. There will be performances by artistes to entertain you while you wait for the fireworks to dazzle you.

To make your trip worthwhile, there is also a Floral exhibition (indoor and outdoor) at Precinct 2, Putrajaya, which starts on Aug 25, and ending on Sep 2, 2007. Free Entrance.

Directions to Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC)? Click here

Drive, Take the bus (Rapid, from KL Sentral), or take the Express Rail Link (ERL).

To read about the more about fireworks, read NST's Splendour in the sky and The Star's Lighting up the Putrajaya sky .

Did you know that the musical fireworks display of this magnitude was discussed far back in 1998, and only became a reality in 2007? One thing that might mar this event, will the impending lawsuits from the "idea originator". Read more on "Firm sues minister over fireworks show"

Malaysia Food Festival 2007- Spice, Fruit and Rice

Malaysia Merdeka , Food Festival


This is my favourite rice dish when I'm back in Malacca. It's simply called Ball Chicken Rice. The balls on the plate is actually rice cooked in chicken stock, and shaped into balls, to be eaten together with boiled chicken slices.

There are 2 places in Malacca that serves good and decent Ball Chicken Rice - Taman Melaka Baru in Batu Berendam, and the original one near the Malacca Clock Tower. The one in Batu Berendam is pretty cheap, and very crowded on weekends!. What has this to do with the topic? Read on


Spice, fruits and rice will feature predominantly in the Malaysian Food Festival 2007 to be held over the following 3 weekends in various shopping centres in KL. . The theme is "A Melting Pot of Culture and Cuisine".

Plan your visit to the shopping centres to take in the variety of Malaysian local food.

Date: Aug 10-12, 2007
Venue: Suria KLCC in KL
Theme: Spice Route.
What to expect : Spice gallery, Cooking demonstrations using spices

Date: Aug 17- 19, 2007
Venue: 1 Utama Shopping centre, Bandar Utama
Theme: Tutti Fruity.
What to expect : Display of Malaysian fruits and fruit based food and beverages. Will the durian, the king of fruits be displayed, I wonder?

Date: Aug 24-28, 2007
Venue: Sunway Pyramid, Sunway
Theme: Rice Festival
What to expect: Display of rice of different varieties, and grades, and the different cooking methods (I also love Ketupat with satay sauce!)

I believe the turnout at the festival will be good, and the event will be billed a success because the chosen shopping centres are heavily frequented during weekends, even on normal weekends.

The Food Festival is one of the many events to celebrate the golden jubilee anniversary of Malaysia's independence. August 31, 1957 is the day when Malaysia gained independence from Britain. Merdeka! You will hear more about worthwhile Merdeka celebrations in future posts.