BERNAMA
The Merdeka Stadium was considered an engineering marvel of the Federation of Malaya when it began construction in 1956 and was completed within a year and hosted the historic moment of the declaration of independence on 31 August 1957. - BERNAMA file photo
Merdeka Stadium, the country's icon, reopens in the first quarter of 2024
The Merdeka Stadium was considered an engineering marvel of the Federation of Malaya when it began construction in 1956 and was completed within a year and hosted the historic moment of the declaration of independence on 31 August 1957. - BERNAMA file photo
KUALA LUMPUR: Merdeka Stadium, one of the country's historic iconic landmarks is expected to open to the public by the first quarter of 2024 after it was closed since 2016.
A variety of activities including sports, heritage and lifestyle events are in store for visitors as the iconic 20,000-seat stadium begins operations next to the world's second tallest tower, Merdeka 118.
Chief Executive Officer of PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn Berhad (PMVSB) Tengku Datuk Ab Aziz Tengku Mahmud said schools and sports clubs will be allowed to carry out their sports activities at the stadium.
"A stadium with a unifying and inclusive theme is the desire of the late Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, Merdeka Stadium to bring and unite all Malaysians.
"A location for runners and school students to find a suitable running track within the city not far from where they work or live.
"When it reopens, it will also host sports days and training camps for schools, while football clubs can continue training and friendly matches at the stadium," he told Bernama after visiting the stadium, here recently.
Tengku Ab Aziz said PMVSB also intends to organize heritage walks and guided tours for daily visitors to promote the historical site of Malaysia's declaration of independence in 1957.
He believes that collaboration with lifestyle and fitness brands for the organization of various events such as monthly running, yoga, taichi or outdoor spin is also an untapped potential for Stadium Merdeka.
"The Merdeka-themed annual celebration through activities with existing neighbors is expected to activate the stadium and benefit the surrounding community. We are also studying the possibility of selling various beverages with a 'pop-up' concept or food and beverage cafes at reasonable prices," he said.
Merdeka Stadium is considered an engineering marvel of the Federation of Malaya when it was first built in 1956 and completed within a year and hosted the most historic moment when Tunku Abdul Rahman declared the nation's independence on 31 August 1957, followed by the formation of Malaysia on 16 Sept 1963.
PMVSB established the Merdeka Heritage Trust (MHT) in 2006 to restore, preserve and manage the Merdeka Stadium, including the relocation of the seating terrace for a larger seating capacity of 45,000 seats built for the 1989 SEA Games.
When Menara Merdeka 118 is completed, visitors can have easy access to Merdeka Stadium as well as to the newly built Merdeka Mosque, Merdeka Boulevard and Merdeka Textile Museum, all located close to the stadium's main entrance.
“People can also enjoy stunning views of the city, surrounded by commercial, leisure and retail attractions. Merdeka Precinct 118 will be the main destination for Malaysians as well as international visitors," he said.
For sports fans, Merdeka Stadium is definitely a place full of memories, being the stronghold of Harimau Malaya, in hosting various Merdeka Festabola and football matches, seeing powerful players from Japan and South Korea, as well as the historic boxing match between "The Greatest" Muhammad Ali and Joe Bugner in 1975.
The stadium has also hosted several concerts by world famous artists including Michael Jackson in 1996, Linkin Park, Mariah Carey, Avril Lavigne, Justin Bieber and Jennifer Lopez.
-- BERNAMA