KUALA LUMPUR: Harimau Malaya, together with Warner Music Malaysia and the Football Association of Malaysia, has unveiled a special collaboration – the single ‘Demi Lencana Di Dada’.
Harian Metro today reported that the song, performed by the popular local band Hujan, has been chosen as the official anthem for the national football team, aimed at igniting both the fighting spirit of the players and the passion of supporters across the country.
Hujan’s frontman, Noh Salleh, shared that the production of the single began as early as February this year.
He explained that careful planning was required to ensure the music, lyrics, and message carried the right emotional weight.
“We were both thrilled and honoured when we were allowed to perform the official song for Harimau Malaya. As Malaysians, football is already part of our collective identity,” he said.
According to Noh, singing the song is more than just performing another song, as it is about embodying a unifying spirit that brings the nation together behind its beloved team.
“When we sing this, it isn’t just music. It’s about creating an energy that resonates from the stadium to every home, reminding everyone that Harimau Malaya belongs to us all,” he added.
The journey to complete the single was not without challenges. Noh admitted that capturing the true essence of Harimau Malaya – its determination, spirit, and pride – demanded sincerity and attention to detail.
“It was not easy to translate that sense of pride and resilience into music. This song represents struggle, sacrifice, and hope. Every lyric and every note had to carry that weight to inspire both players and fans,” he said.
Beyond fostering national pride, the song is also envisioned as a driving force for the players. Noh hopes ‘Demi Lencana Di Dada’ will motivate the team to continue striving for excellence and to raise Malaysia’s name on the global football stage.
“We truly hope this anthem fuels their determination to succeed. More than achievements, football has the power to unite Malaysians of all races and backgrounds under one flag,” he added.
The official debut of the single took place on Sept 4 at Bukit Jalil National Stadium during the Malaysia vs. Singapore friendly match.
Fans in attendance were the first to experience the anthem in a live stadium atmosphere, making the launch even more meaningful.
The anthem will also be played at the upcoming match between Malaysia and Palestine, scheduled for today at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, Johor.
Produced jointly by FAM and Warner, ‘Demi Lencana Di Dada’ marks the first official collaboration of its kind between the two organisations.
The single is now available for streaming across all major digital platforms, with a lyric video simultaneously released on Warner Music Malaysia’s YouTube channel.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
