MERDEKA Stadium, one of the country’s most iconic landmarks, is expected to reopen its doors to the public by the second quarter of 2024 after being closed since 2016.

Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) Group chairman Arshad Raja Tun Uda said efforts to restore the stadium to its original form, just like when it was opened in 1957, had received the cooperation and support of Badan Warisan Malaysia and the National Heritage Department.

Gazetted as a national heritage site on October 17, 2005, Stadium Merdeka is owned by PNB Merdeka Ventures, but comes under the trusteeship and management of the Merdeka Heritage Trust.

“The earnest effort to restore the historic heritage of the iconic stadium is expected to increase the value of the site as well as create and sustain social and economic opportunities. It can also become a popular tourist destination, both for local and international tourists,” he said.

Arshad said this in his speech during a motion of thanks in conjunction with the official opening of Menara Merdeka 118 by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah last night.

PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn Bhd established the Merdeka Heritage Trust in 2006 to restore, preserve and manage Stadium Merdeka. – Bernama, January 11, 2024.