Hospital Tunku Azizah (HTA) celebrated Malaysia's 69th National Day by welcoming 10 to 12 newborns born between midnight and noon on August 31, 2026, known as "Merdeka babies" [1, 2, 3]. Among the babies were six boys and between four and six girls, according to differing reports from sources [1, 2, 3]. The newborns included a pair of twin girls [1, 2, 3].
The first Merdeka baby this year was a boy born at 12:05 a.m. by caesarean section to 33-year-old Siti Zulaikha Mohd Jasni. His birth came earlier than expected, with the due date initially set for September 8, 2026 [1, 2, 3]. Hospital director Dr. Shamsul Anuar Kamarudin said the births symbolize "life, hope, and the nation's future," adding, "Every birth is not just a number. It represents a family, a hope and a trust for the future." [1]
At 5:45 a.m., 29-year-old Nor Asyikin Mat Zain delivered her second child, a boy weighing 3.13 kilograms, naturally. She expressed pride in the significance of the date, saying, "Honestly, I'm so proud. My first was born on New Year's Day, and now her little brother arrives on National Day." [1, 2, 3]
Later at 7:55 a.m., first-time mother Rajeah Amud, 32, gave birth naturally to a baby girl, also before her due date of September 8 [1, 2, 3].
The number of Merdeka babies born at HTA on August 31 ranged between sources, with some reporting 12 and others 10 in total. The count of baby girls varied from four to six [1, 2, 3]. All births occurred in the first 12 hours of Malaysia's National Day, between midnight and noon.
The hospital's National Day births continue a tradition celebrating new life entering the world on important national dates. The families of these babies will mark their children's birthdays alongside the country’s anniversary.
More births are expected to be recorded as the day continues, but details beyond noon were not yet available.
