Merdeka Day celebrations are a grand and colourful affair as marching contingents, roaring jets and fluttering Jalur Gemilang set the patriotic tone of the day.
But while most eyes are fixed on spectacle, one lone photographer, who goes by the name of Chot Touch, focuses on an entirely different aspect of the celebrations: the fleeting human moments unfolding quietly in the crowd, far from the pomp and splendour of the parade.
For the past 10 years, Chot Touch has been capturing the faces, gestures and emotions of ordinary Malaysians celebrating Merdeka. To him, these small moments tell deeper stories than any grand parade.
“As a street photographer, I look for moments behind the scenes – members of a marching contingent applying their makeup in the early morning, or a mother bringing her child to watch the celebration, creating a memory the child might recall years later, especially when the mother is no longer around,” he told FMT Lifestyle.
Chot Touch, 48, immersed himself in street photography in 2008, driven by a singular desire to capture the essence of real life on the streets.
He usually uses Sony Alpha mirrorless cameras with lenses between 24mm and 50mm, which allow him to work up close while including enough of the environment for context.
“All my shots are candid, perhaps because I’m naturally an introvert and not the type to chat much with my subjects. I prefer to quietly observe and capture moments as they unfold,” he said.
“I’ve never had any formal training, but I’ve learnt a great deal through experience, observation, and engaging with the photography community.”
Over the past 16 years, he has worked as a guest photographer, served as a photo critic for Camera World Magazine, and assumed the role as brand ambassador for Ricoh, Pentax, and currently Sony Alpha Malaysia.
He has judged numerous photography competitions in the country, and was honoured to represent Malaysia as one of 10 international judges for the Ricoh GR Photo Contest.
Additionally, he has been invited to conduct photography workshops outside Malaysia, including in India, Egypt, Brunei and Singapore.
“Street photography is not my profession: it’s a hobby that helps me unwind from work stress, and keeps me healthy,” he said.
“For me, street photography is a blend of storytelling, therapy, and healthy living. It’s raw, unpredictable, and deeply honest.
“My inspirations include legends like Alex Webb and Raghu Rai, as well as fellow local photographers who share the same passion for telling stories through the streets.”
Most of the photos in Chot Touch’s collection were taken around Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur, as well as in Putrajaya and Kuantan, Pahang, over the past 10 years.
His favourite includes that of a young kid proudly holding a flag, and another of a child sitting on his father’s shoulders, watching the parade.
According to him, these moments are meaningful because they reflect pride, innocence,and the bond of family – values that go beyond the formalities of Merdeka Day celebrations.
When shooting his photos, Chot Touch seeks out moments infused with emotion, human interaction, or unique visual elements. His guiding principle is simple: a good photo should tell a powerful story in a single frame.
The intrepid photographer intends to keep on capturing images of Merdeka Day celebrations every year, and is considering turning his Merdeka collection into a dedicated photobook in the future.
“I believe these photos show that Merdeka is more than just parades and official ceremonies. It’s about the spirit of the people, our cultural diversity, and the memories that connect generations.
“I want viewers to feel as if they were there, witnessing the life and energy behind the celebration,” he concluded.
Follow Chot Touch on Instagram.
