This year's Merdeka Day celebration, themed 'Sehati Sejiwa' (One Heart One Soul) will begin in Kuching on Aug 8, and is expected to be launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, according to Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek.

He said apart from the main event which would be held on Aug 31, various programmes have been drawn up throughout the Merdeka Month celebration.

"We look forward to the people expressing their love for the country during the Merdeka month," he told reporters after attending former Terengganu menteri besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Said's Aidilfitri open house here today.

Ahmad Shabery said this year's Aug 31 celebration would be held at Dataran Merdeka like in previous years and people from all walks of life were invited to the event.