Over 800 participants, from seasoned photographers to hobbyists armed with nothing more than their phone cameras, gathered on Malaysia Day to celebrate their country through the lens. From the lively streets of George Town to the quieter corners of Taiping, each location offered its unique perspective.
Spearheaded by photographer Kim Boon Lim, the event was designed to capture the essence of Malaysia, not through its landmarks, but through its people.
For Lim, street photography is the perfect way to honour the country’s unique blend of diversity and unity.
“It’s not the Twin Towers or our scenic beaches that represent Malaysia, but ordinary Malaysians living extraordinary lives despite the challenges of the past 60 years. That is the true essence of Malaysia,” he told FMT Lifestyle.
Lim, a Fujifilm brand influencer whose passion for photography began in childhood, started a personal project last year titled, “Malaysia at 60” where he visited close to 50 locations. “I started that as a way to get to know my country a little deeper,” he explained.
Recognising that this could be a long-term effort, he envisioned something bigger: a simultaneous nationwide photowalk on Sept 16.
With the support of friends in the industry, what began as a plan for 13 cities – one per Malaysian state – quickly grew as more enthusiasts volunteered to lead walks in their own hometowns.
“Many people have forgotten the significance of Malaysia Day,” Lim said. “I wanted to reignite that awareness and appreciation for this special day, while promoting ‘photowalking’ as a healthy, engaging activity.”
As of yesterday, participants dispersed across various locations, with George Town in Penang, boasting the highest number of registrants at 55.
Close behind were several cities in Kuala Lumpur, Kuching, and Kota Kinabalu. “I was surprised to see traction even in smaller towns like Kuala Lipis, where close to 20 people joined,” Lim said.
FMT Lifestyle joined the photowalk at two locations: Petaling Street at 7am and later in Brickfields. The morning session kicked off at Central Market, with photographers exploring Pasar Karat before ending at Dataran Merdeka.
“We’ve got everyone from digital shooters, mobile and even film photographers joining in. The reaction has been phenomenal,” Lim added. In fact, participants ranged from as young as 11 to as old as 72.
While photographers had the freedom to capture whatever they wished, the overarching theme for the photowalk was “The People, The Places, and The Cultural Practices.”
Each walk was led by a local leader familiar with the area, guiding participants as they photographed everything from a cat on a bench to an uncle on his bicycle.
The Brickfields photowalk was particularly special with a collaboration with Oasis Place, Malaysia’s largest transdisciplinary intervention centre that supports differently-abled children.
More than 50 children, along with their teachers and volunteers, joined the photowalk, learning about street photography while engaging with their surroundings.
At the Sam Kow Tong Temple, they practised a technique called “fishing,” using a vibrant red temple wall as the backdrop, capturing one another as they passed through the frame. The joy and excitement on their faces were palpable as they shared their pictures with one another.
“I’ve collaborated with the Oasis Place for over 10 years and this was the perfect opportunity to show that photography can be inclusive and a unique way to celebrate Malaysia Day,” Lim expressed.
Although the nationwide photowalk has ended, there’s still a chance to participate by submitting an entry to the Malaysia Day Photography Contest, running from Sept 16 to Oct 15.
Hoping this becomes an annual event, Lim is encouraging every Malaysian to step out and explore the country, whether it’s Malaysia Day or any other day.
“Photography is a very powerful tool. Whatever moment we capture now, with time it becomes history.”
Submit your photos for the Malaysia Day Photography Contest here.
Follow Kim Boon Lim on Instagram. Find out more about Oasis Place on their website.