Pop-up markets serve as a great opportunity for local brands to shine (Photo: Central Market)
As the 68th year of Malaysia's independence rolls around, it is important to remember the people and talents who have helped build the country's vibrant culture into what it is today. Here are six bazaars stocked with local goodies to fill you with patriotic pride.
In its heyday, Semua House once boasted a 60-table snooker centre, food court, boutiques and jewellery stores, but occupancy and visitor numbers declined as competition kept cropping up elsewhere. Now, the place has been given a fresh, vibrant façade and new tenants, cementing its spot as one of the many artsy hubs in the city. Taking over its event space this week is Bazaar Made in KL, brought by the team behind the popular KL Alternative Bookfest.
Literature lovers can swoon over 50 booths from local writers, printing firms and craftsmen, including pop-ups from bookstore Pelita Dhihin and romance publisher Manés Wordworks. Reflect on and tell stories about what it means to be Malaysian with the Enggang and Pipit initiative by Akar Umbi Society, or join in on the Kultus Kata book sharing session to discuss themes of nationalism and patriotism in your favourite fiction and non-fiction titles.
Semua House, Jalan Bunus 6, City Centre, Kuala Lumpur. Aug 30 to Sept 1, 10am to 8pm. Free admission.
The Campus Ampang first opened its doors in early January and, since then, has had visitors flock to it for food and leisure. Once the grounds of the International School of Kuala Lumpur, this community hub retains most of the former architecture and now ushers in a new sort of learning as its roomy areas host weekend events regularly. One of these is a Merdeka Special organised by veteran Makers and Co.
Local clothing company Kapten Batik has partnered with them for batik canting and painting workshops, where registrants can unleash their creativity and design their own patterns, learning how to blend artistry with contemporary flair. The brand has always encouraged customers to wear the fabric for everyday occasions, and does so even more by bringing batik-making to a level where people can feel truly connected to this traditional form of textile dyeing.
The Campus Ampang, Lot 7706, Jalan Kolam Air Lama, Mukim, Hulu Kelang, Ampang. Aug 28 to 31, 11am to 10pm. Free admission.
Visit Central Market on any given weekend and you will find the normally crowded space even more full. Chances are, you will be squeezing past excited throngs of people with hands eagerly reaching out to buy souvenirs and local snacks, or just taking in the sights of its many wares. Adding to the colourful chaos of the place is the Check-in Merdeka Market, organised by Haute and Gold to put the spotlight on lesser-known home-grown brands.
Retail offerings include perfumes to keep you smelling fresh and delicate floral-themed jewellery from Beejooz. Pick up some traditional apparel from Rosie Fashion or a cute plushie crocheted in the colours of the national flag from Stitch by Qa. The event coordinators have not forgotten Malaysians’ love for food. Freshly fried begedil (potato patties) from Puchong-based Aunty Tauhu and bento-style nasi lemak berlauk on daun pisang by Nasi Hati Recipe ensure you do not go home hungry.
Central Market, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, KL. Aug 29 to Sept 1, 10am to 10pm. Free admission.
One of the most anticipated events of August is undoubtedly the fanfare of the Merdeka parade at the end of the month. Planes and jets will speed past overhead, while on the ground, colourful floats with intricate designs, military marches and animal units will fill the streets of Dataran Merdeka. A sea of celebrants, each glowing with pride for the country, will cheer them on, and it is hard not to feel the pre-parade excitement buzzing in your veins at the very thought.
This year’s festivities will take place in Putrajaya instead, and not far from the main event is the Riuh Merdeka market. Located in the Millennium Monument car park, it promises 30 hours of non-stop activities, pop-up shops, performances and refreshments. Those still feeling the exhilaration of the day can visit over 80 food stalls, some of which will be selling Menu Rahmah items to keep noshes and nibbles affordable to all.
Millennium Monument, Lebuh Ehsan, Presint 2, Putrajaya. Aug 30 and 31, 12pm to 6pm. Free admission.
Cik Siti Weekend Pop Art: Edisi Merdeka
The East Coast is as full of mirth for the coming Merdeka celebrations as the rest of the nation. Bringing a more intimate event — though no less dynamic — is the Cik Siti Weekend Pop Art: Edisi Merdeka.
Held at the Aeon Mall Kota Bharu parking lot, the weekend bazaar is organised by The Kelantan Creative Society, and runs from noon until midnight for a full day of shopping, eating and kindling the patriotic fire within. The fair invites you to sate matcha cravings, indulge in crispy banana fritters with cheese or dig into pizzas and pasta. Feeling creative? Join the Doodle Cup Merdeka competition to win cash or hampers.
Once you are done stuffing yourself with delicious treats, pop into the mall itself to watch traditional performances or view a unique art exhibition as a sneak peek of the upcoming Kelantan Art and
Culture Festival.
Aeon Mall Kota Bharu, Lembah Sireh, Kota Bharu. Aug 28 to 31, 12pm to 12am. Free admission.
Dedicated to the “rojakness” of the people of Malaysia, this month’s edition of Pingmin Hub is a short walk from The Exchange TRX (note that it is not on the grounds of the mall itself, lest you get lost wandering the expansive complex). Pingmin’s markets, held across the Klang Valley, are often the talk of the town with its varied selection of vendors, most of whom are small business owners who get their chance to shine.
In conjunction with Merdeka Day, this weekend’s event sees flavours, stories and music blend into a feast for the senses. Step up and try your hand at the Snap! Tag! minigame. Take a photo of the painted floor sign at the entrance of the hub and upload it to your socials with the relevant hashtags to score a free flag. International visitors can flash their passport for a RM5 cash voucher to spend at any booth.
Pingmin Hub, 36 Jalan Kamuning, KL. Aug 29 to 31, 5pm to 12am. Free admission.
This article first appeared on Aug 25, 2025 in The Edge Malaysia.
