Malaysia: Armed Forces Day

The Malaysian Armed Forces Day or Hari Angkatan Tentera Malaysia is observed on September 16 every year. It is a day to pay tribute to the men and women who serve in the armed forces of Malaysia. The Malaysian Armed Forces comprises three branches, namely the Malaysian Army, the Royal Malaysian Navy and the Royal Malaysian Air Force. The Malaysian Armed Forces was created before Malaya achieved independence in 1957 from the unification of military forces, which came about during the first half of the 20th century when Malaya and Singapore were the subjects of British colonial rule. The primary objectives of the Malaysian Armed Forces are to defend the country’s sovereignty and to protect Malaysia from any and all types of threats.