KUALA LUMPUR: Stadium Merdeka, one of the country's most historical landmarks, is expected to reopen its doors to the public by the first quarter of 2024 after being closed since 2016.
Various activities ranging from sports, heritage and lifestyle have been lined up for visitors when the iconic 20,000-seating capacity stadium starts operating just beside the world's second tallest tower, the Merdeka 118.
PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn Bhd (PMVSB) chief executive officer Tengku Datuk Ab Aziz Tengku Mahmud said the stadium would also be made available for schools and sports clubs to carry out their sporting activities.
"A stadium with a unifying and inclusive theme was what the first Prime Minister, the late Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj had intended Stadium Merdeka to be and to bring to all Malaysians. A location for runners and school kids in search of a proper running track within the city not far from where they work or live.
"Once reopened, it would also be a venue for sports days and training camps for schools, while football clubs can resume training and friendly matches once again," he told Bernama after a recent tour of the stadium.
Tengku Ab Aziz said PMVSB also intends to organise heritage walks and guided tours for daily visitors to promote the history of the site of Malaysia's independence declaration in 1957.
He believes collaborations with lifestyle and fitness brands for monthly runs, yoga, taichi or outdoor spin, would also bring untapped potential to Stadium Merdeka.
"Annual Merdeka-themed celebrations via joint activities with existing neighbours are hoped to activate the stadium and benefit the surrounding community. We are also looking into the possibility of affordable food and beverage pop-ups or cafes," he said.
Stadium Merdeka was considered the Federation of Malaya's engineering marvel when it was started to be built in 1956 and was completed within a year to host the most historical moment when Tunku Abdul Rahman declared the country's independence on Aug 31, 1957, followed by the formation of Malaysia on Sept 16, 1963.
PMVSB established the Merdeka Heritage Trust (MHT) in 2006 to restore, preserve and manage Stadium Merdeka, which includes the removal of seating terraces for a larger seating capacity of 45,000 seats built for the 1989 SEA Games.
Upon the completion of the Merdeka 118 Tower, visitors can easily have access to Stadium Merdeka, as well as to the newly built Masjid Merdeka, Merdeka Boulevard and Merdeka Textile Museum, all located close to the stadium's main entrance.
"The public can also enjoy breathtaking views of the city, surrounded by commercial, leisure and retail attractions. The Merdeka 188 Precinct will be a key destination for Malaysians as well as international visitors," he said.
For sports fans, Stadium Merdeka is definitely a memorable venue, having been Harimau Malaya's strong fort, hosting multiple Pestabola Merdeka and football matches, seeing the big boys like Japan and South Korea, as well as the historic boxing bout between "The Greatest" Muhammad Ali and Joe Bugner in 1975.
The stadium had also witnessed a number of concerts by the world's famous artistes including Michael Jackson in 1996, Linkin Park, Mariah Carey, Avril Lavigne, Justin Bieber and Jennifer Lopez.-- BERNAMA