Exciting activities at Merdeka-themed festival

IN THE run-up to the National Day celebration next week, the public can look forward to a fun-filled day with Peszta, a community-led arts, culture and music event.

Inspired by Malaysia’s diversity, the event happening at Merdeka 118 in Kampung Attap, Kuala Lumpur, tomorrow will feature entertaining performances, a community market, exhibitions and food trucks.

It is organised by PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Permodalan Nasional Bhd.

PNB Merdeka Ventures chief executive officer Tengku Datuk Ab. Aziz Tengku Mahmud said that as a landmark destination, it was crucial for the Merdeka 118 development to integrate seamlessly with communities.

“We are happy to commemorate our 65th National Day celebration with the diverse communities within the Merdeka 118 precinct.

“As the custodian of Stadium Merdeka, our vision is to bring back the spirit of Merdeka to all Malaysians.

“Peszta is a testament to one of the many initiatives we support to achieve this objective.

“The event is also a platform for Merdeka 118 Community Grant recipients to showcase their artworks, heritage-inspired activities and home-made products.

“Our aim is to excite Malaysians, celebrate Merdeka together and highlight the historical place,” he said of the festival organised with Think City.

Visitors can immerse themselves in Malaysia’s history through an interactive Stadium Merdeka showcase by PNB Merdeka Ventures.

It will feature historical clips as well as a 360-degree virtual tour of the national stadium and its restoration efforts.

Other highlights include a cultural exhibition by Borneo MTV as well as a Literary Exhibition and Talk.

Music lovers will not want to miss performances by popular local artistes like Francissca Peter, along with up-and-coming indie bands, including The Impatient Sisters, SevenCollar T-Shirt and FUGO.

Visitors can also witness the crowning of the K2K Merdeka Idol Talent – a singing contest showcasing budding talents from People’s Housing Project (PPR) communities of Hang Tuah, Sri Sarawak and Loke Yew.

Peszta is the result of the Merdeka 118 Community Grants Programme, which has been running since June 2021.

It is organised in partnership with stakeholders from the government and private sector as well as local artistes and communities.

This includes the National Department for Culture and Arts, Kuala Lumpur City Hall and Pentago House.