Malaysia Day, known as Hari Malaysia, is observed in Malaysia every September 16. This national holiday commemorates the establishment of the Malaysian federation in 1963, which originally included Malaya, Singapore, Sarawak, and North Borneo. The formation was delayed from its intended date of August 31 due to opposition from Indonesia and the Philippines. Singapore was later expelled from the federation in 1965. The holiday was officially designated as a public holiday in October 2009, allowing Malaysians to celebrate their nation's unity and independence. It is important to distinguish Malaysia Day from Malaysia's Independence Day, which is celebrated on August 31.