City’s heritage buildings, streets and public places to become cultural network hosting over 80 programmes throughout May
KUALA Lumpur should be remembered not just for its buildings, but also for the way it makes people feel, says Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh.
She said cities were shaped not by concrete alone, but by people, stories, creativity and shared experiences that gave them soul.
“A city is not only remembered for its buildings, but also for how it makes people feel,” said Yeoh.
“That is the Kuala Lumpur we are building today. And tonight, the KL Festival represents exactly that.
“This festival is more than a calendar event. It is a statement about the kind of city Kuala Lumpur is becoming,” she said at the KL Festival 2026 opening gala held at the DBKL Auditorium in Menara DBKL 1, Kuala Lumpur.
Also present were Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing and Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Fadlun Mak Ujud.
The opening gala, themed “Irama Pusaka – Akar Tradisi, Nadi Baharu”, brought together five Malaysian musical traditions in a performance, namely Orkestra Kuala Lumpur (a 70-member orchestra), Gangsapura (traditional Malay gamelan), Lee Rubber Chinese Orchestra (traditional Chinese orchestra), Ekam Ensemble (Indian classical music) and sape musician Leslie Eli.
Yeoh said many people experienced Kuala Lumpur only as a city to work in, drive through and rush home from.
“We want to change that.
“We want Kuala Lumpur to be a city where people slow down to enjoy.
“A city that feels alive beyond office hours, where public spaces are activated with culture, creativity and community.
“Because a city should not only feel alive inside shopping malls.
“Our streets, heritage buildings and public spaces must feel alive too,” she said.
Yeoh added that this mattered not only for tourists, but also for ordinary Malaysians.
This year’s KL Festival carries the theme “Memory and Tomorrow” and will run from May 6 to 31.
More than 80 programmes have been arranged across 26 venues, transforming heritage buildings, streets and public spaces into a network of cultural experiences.
They include wayang kulit (shadow puppetry), contempo-rary dance, immersive installations, outdoor cinema and theatre.
Yeoh also said the KL Festival would continue as an annual city festival from May next year.
For details, visit www.klfestival.com.my
