Twitter releases special Emoji for Malaysia’s Merdeka celebration. Here’s how to use it

National Day is just around the corner and Malaysians will be able to add something extra to their tweets starting this coming Tuesday. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has teamed up with Twitter to introduce a special Twitter emoji to celebrate Malaysia’s 64th Merdeka Day (31st August) and Malaysia Day (16th September).

The special emoji will appear if you tweet with the following hashtags:

• #MalaysiaPrihatin
• #MalaysiaMerdeka
• #MenangBersama
• #HariMalaysia

Take note that it will display only between 31st August until 16th September 2021.

Unlike previous years, Malaysia will face a sombre celebration this year due to the current pandemic situation. Yesterday, Malaysia had a record high 24,599 new COVID-19 cases as well as a record-high 393 deaths reported in a single day. In August so far, a total of 6,817 deaths have been recorded which is an average of 238 deaths per day. While restrictions have been easing up, we all must stay vigilant by following the SOPs and avoid going out unless absolutely necessary.

With COVID-19 vaccination seen as a path towards returning back to normal, Malaysia has been making significant progress with its National Immunisation Programme. As of 26th August, over 43% of the total population or 60% of adults nationwide have completed their vaccinations with two doses.

The Perikatan Nasional government had aimed to fully vaccinate 50% of adults nationwide and at least 40% of adults in every state by 31st August 2021. At the time of writing, all states except Sabah have fully vaccinated over 40% of its adult population. Sabah currently has the lowest vaccination rate and only 35% of its adult population has been fully vaccinated.