KUALA LUMPUR: Xplorasi Warisan KL: Merdeka 2026 Edition, organised by Warisan KL, led participants on a heritage trail through Kuala Lumpur's historic landmarks, tracing the nation's journey to independence.
Held in conjunction with National Day, the programme began at Stadium Merdeka, the site of the 1957 independence declaration, before concluding at Dataran Merdeka, where the Federation of Malaya's flag was first raised.
In a statement Monday (Aug 31), Warisan KL said participants had to complete various missions, puzzles and heritage-themed creative challenges.
"This was a chance for participants to truly experience Kuala Lumpur as a living heritage city, a place whose character has been redefined, generation after generation, by its remarkably diverse cultures and communities," the statement read.
Warisan KL Joint Secretariat representative Datuk Mohamed Nasri Sallehuddin said the programme was an opportunity for Malaysians to get to know Kuala Lumpur's history up close, and to appreciate the stories, sites and individuals that have shaped the nation.
"Throughout the route from Stadium Merdeka to Dataran Merdeka, participants were able to witness how heritage continues to live on through communities, traditions and shared experiences that remain part of our identity today.
"We hope that initiatives like this will encourage more people to explore, appreciate and champion our shared heritage, so that it remains meaningful and relevant for future generations," he said.
Mohamed Nasri and PNB Merdeka Ventures chief executive officer Datuk Izwan Hasli Mohd Ibrahim flagged off the event at Stadium Merdeka.
Meanwhile, the prize-giving ceremony, held in conjunction with the Ambang Merdeka event last night, was attended by Federal Territories Department deputy director-general Farah Adura Hamidi, Kuala Lumpur City Hall's Culture, Arts, Tourism and Sports director Faizal Mahmood, as well as stakeholders and strategic partners.
Team Baby G NST emerged as champions, taking home RM4,000 in cash, followed by KITA TRY in second place with RM3,000 and Baru Nak Up BERNAMA in third place, winning RM2,000.
Azanis Shahila Aman from Team Baby G NST said the victory was especially meaningful as her team had the opportunity to explore various locations around Kuala Lumpur.
"From testing our knowledge of Kuala Lumpur's history and architecture, to handicraft and food challenges at Pasar Seni and Jalan Petaling, each checkpoint offered something different, making us appreciate this city even more.
"The journey from Stadium Merdeka to Dataran Merdeka was certainly challenging, but it was incredibly enjoyable. We are proud to have taken part in this programme, and even more so to have completed the journey as champions," she said.
Xplorasi Warisan KL is part of Warisan KL's ongoing efforts to connect the community with Kuala Lumpur's heritage through engaging and meaningful experiences, fostering appreciation, participation and a sense of community pride. - Bernama
