Eleena Filza Syahira, 30, (left) and Hanafi Ismail, 35, having a closer look at the giant collage of independence day at Merdeka Stadium in Kuala Lumpur. — Photos IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
THE Merdeka-themed community festival called Peszta will be expanded to include additional activities.
Its third edition will be held at the newly reopened Merdeka Stadium on Sept 14.
The stadium will be the highlight of the event after an eight-year restoration project that reinstated the original designs and architecture elements, dating back to early days of Malaysia’s independence.
Permodalan Nasional Berhad Merdeka Ventures Sdn Bhd (PNBMV) chief executive officer Tengku Datuk Ab Aziz Tengku Mahmud said with the stadium now restored, the goal was to make it an open and welcoming space for all to enjoy.
“The event is a good opportunity to bring Malaysians from all walks of life together to support local businesses and explore this part of the city’s rich heritage.
“An exhibition and heritage tours will also be available for a new generation of visitors to learn about the history and relive the past glories of the historic venue,” he added.
The one-day event will also be held around the Kampung Attap area in Kuala Lumpur, namely at the Zhongshan building, Pentago House and SAM Mansion, which are also festival partners.
Other festival venues include the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall, Heart Residences, Sri Midas Corner and the Regal Park Hotel, which will host exhibitions, performances, talks and a karaoke competition.
Merdeka Stadium with the Merdeka 118 Tower in the background. — Photos IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
Families and children can also participate in activities such as cooking classes and a homemade ice cream workshop at Triptyk Bar in the area.
Tengku Ab Aziz said the event was a collaborative effort between the stakeholders of the area, known as the “Merdeka 118 precinct”.
The venues, he said, were not just important as locations for the festival, but also for being part of the local community.
“Initially, the idea of hosting the Peszta festival was to create a platform for growing business around the area who also happen to be recipients of our Merdeka 118 Community Grants Programme.
“The grants are aimed to stimulate the existing businesses and activities as well as creating channels such as learning and skill enhancement workshops to uplift their profile,” Tengku Ab Aziz said.
“This year, our 15 grantees will showcase their innovation and creativity to the public during the Malaysia-themed festival.”
Tengku Ab Aziz added that the products offered by local businesses during Peszta would include those from urban farming, handicraft and art.
“We want the Peszta festival to become a reminder of Malaysians’ shared heritage and a celebration of our rich cultural diversity.
“It is also a valuable opportunity to support and showcase local businesses within the surrounding communities,” he said.
This year’s event will also see the return of the “Mantap Kampung Attap” concert with renowned artist Ning Baizura.
The festival, which is open to the public, is expected to attract 5,000 visitors this year.
