Hundreds join in at Hobart's JOM Malaysian independence festival

Hundreds of people have gathered on Hobart's parliament lawns for a festival celebrating Malaysia's independence day.

It is the second time the JOM! festival, run by the Malaysian Students' Council of Australia (MASCA), has been held.

The festival includes Malaysian food, traditional dance, wedding demonstrations and exhibitions.

Organiser Sabri Yusuf Hong said the festival is a celebration of Malaysia's unique culture.

"Basically as students here we think we are more or less ambassadors for Malaysia," he said.

"So while studying we thought we would like to promote the Malaysian culture and traditional Malaysian stuff to the Australians so they can get to know Malaysians better."

Mr Hong said even the Malaysian students learn from the festival, because most only get to see the traditional dancing on YouTube.