Free 10GB data giveaway for Merdeka, Malaysia Day starts Aug 31
Five telcos will give every Malaysian 10GB of free mobile data in two tranches under the Rahmah Rebate Incentive.
Source: The Rakyat Post · August 13, 2026 at 11:47 AM · AI-assisted report
Corroborated
PUTRAJAYA, 13 AUGUST 2026 —
MALAYSIA – Five Telcos to Offer 10GB Free Data for Merdeka, Malaysia Day Under Rahmah Rebate
Market Impact
KUALA LUMPUR – Five major telecommunications companies in Malaysia will provide every Malaysian with 10 gigabytes (GB) of free mobile data in two tranches starting Aug 31, as part of the government’s Rahmah Rebate Incentive.
The data will be distributed in two phases: 5GB on Aug 31 and another 5GB on Sept 16, coinciding with Merdeka Day and Malaysia Day celebrations. The initiative covers both prepaid and postpaid users across the participating telcos: CelcomDigi, Maxis, TM, U Mobile, and YES.
Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said the redemption process and validity period for the free data will be determined by each telecom operator. He made the announcement during the HKHM 2026 Celebration Sponsorship Contribution Presentation Ceremony.
The minister also revealed that this year’s Merdeka and Malaysia Day celebrations have secured RM48.63 million in confirmed sponsorships from 139 strategic partners, an increase of more than 118% from RM22.3 million last year. Of the total, RM2.7 million is in cash, while RM45.93 million is in goods and services.
Cash contributions will be deposited into the Merdeka Secretariat Trust Account to fund celebration preparations. Donated goods will be distributed to attendees at Dataran Putrajaya on Aug 31 and at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching in Sarawak on Sept 16.
The Rahmah Rebate Incentive, which includes the free data initiative, aims to provide financial relief and digital support to Malaysians during the national celebrations. Fahmi emphasized that the government’s partnership with telcos reflects its commitment to enhancing digital inclusion and accessibility.
The announcement follows earlier government efforts to ease financial burdens amid rising living costs. The free data initiative is expected to benefit millions of mobile users nationwide, particularly those relying on prepaid services.
Industry analysts noted that the initiative could drive increased data usage and engagement with digital services during the festive period. However, details on the redemption process and data validity remain pending, as each telco will set its own terms.
The government has not yet disclosed the total number of eligible users or the estimated cost of the data giveaway. Fahmi said further details would be announced by the respective telecom companies in due course.
The Merdeka and Malaysia Day celebrations, which include cultural performances, exhibitions, and public gatherings, are set to take place across multiple locations, including Dataran Putrajaya and Kuching. Sponsorship contributions play a key role in funding these events, with goods and services donations expected to enhance the experience for attendees.
The initiative comes as Malaysia continues to promote digital adoption and connectivity nationwide. The government has previously rolled out similar incentives, including cash aid and utility rebates, to support households.
The telcos are expected to provide clarity on these matters ahead of the data distribution dates.
The Rahmah Rebate Incentive remains a key component of the government’s broader economic relief measures, aimed at fostering social welfare and digital empowerment. Further updates on the initiative will be provided as they become available.
Related: CelcomDigi · Putrajaya