Meriah! Over 300 participants celebrate Xplorasi Warisan KL: Merdeka 2026 Edition, tracing history from Merdeka Stadium to Dataran Merdeka

KUALA LUMPUR, 31 AUGUST 2026 —

Kuala Lumpur, Aug 31 (Bloomberg) — More than 300 participants took part in Xplorasi Warisan KL: Edisi Merdeka 2026, a heritage-themed urban exploration challenge held to coincide with Malaysia’s Independence Day celebrations.

Organised by Warisan KL, the initiative aims to revive the soul of Malaysia’s capital by connecting communities with the city’s built heritage. Participants were required to complete missions, puzzles and creative challenges that tested knowledge, teamwork and local awareness. The programme was officiated by Datuk Mohamed Nasri Sallehuddin, representative of the Warisan KL Secretariat, and Datuk Ir. Ts. (Dr.) Izwan Hasli, representing Stadium Merdeka’s operator, PNB Merdeka Ventures.

Also present were Puan Farah Adura Hamidi, Deputy Director-General of the Federal Territories Department, and Encik Faizal Mahmood, Director of the Department of Culture, Arts, Tourism and Sports, Kuala Lumpur City Hall.

Speaking at the launch, Mohamed Nasri emphasised that Xplorasi Warisan KL is not merely a competition but a platform for Malaysians to engage directly with the city’s history. “This is an opportunity for Malaysians to experience Kuala Lumpur’s heritage first-hand, to understand the places, people and events that have shaped our nation,” he said.

“As participants move from Stadium Merdeka to Dataran Merdeka, they witness how heritage lives on through community traditions and shared experiences that form part of our identity today.”

The challenge concluded with a prize-giving ceremony. The top five teams received cash awards ranging from RM700 to RM4,000 per team. Baby G NST took first place, followed by KITA TRY (RM3,000), Baru Nak Up BERNAMA (RM2,000), TERUNION (RM1,000) and BAGAN HUNTERS (RM700).

Fifteen consolation prizes of up to RM400 each were awarded to teams that completed all tasks, along with special category awards for Best Video (three winners), Most Creative Costume, Most Sporting Team, Early Registration Team and the “Lost but Spirited” Award.

Warisan KL is a national urban renewal initiative focused on heritage and culture, involving government agencies, government-linked companies (GLCs), government-linked investment companies (GLICs), private sector partners and local communities. Its mission is to create a more liveable city while stimulating tourism, community enterprise and commerce. By revitalising Kuala Lumpur’s historic precincts, the initiative seeks to celebrate the past and shape a more inclusive and dynamic future for Malaysia.

The event underscored growing public interest in heritage-based tourism and experiential learning, particularly among younger Malaysians. Observers noted that initiatives like Xplorasi Warisan KL could serve as a model for other cities in the region seeking to balance modern development with cultural preservation.

With Malaysia’s capital undergoing rapid transformation, programmes that reconnect citizens with their urban heritage are seen as to sustaining national identity. As Mohamed Nasri noted, “We hope this initiative will inspire more people to explore, appreciate and champion our shared heritage, ensuring it remains meaningful and relevant for future generations.”