KUALA LUMPUR — Padang Merbok, a historic and beloved public space in Kuala Lumpur, has been officially returned to the rakyat after the fences, erected in August 2022, were removed on January 14, 2026. The announcement was made by Hannah Yeoh, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories).
Yeoh emphasised that this move reflects the Madani Government’s dedication to restoring public spaces to the people, reaffirming their role as spaces that belong to everyone, local media reported.
“The reopening of Padang Merbok is a step towards correcting past wrongs, with the first action being to return this public space to its rightful owners—the people,” she said in a Facebook post. “Public spaces must serve the people, not be used for power.”
Located near Dataran Merdeka and Parliament, Padang Merbok has been an essential site for sports, recreation, and peaceful gatherings across generations. Yeoh highlighted that its prolonged closure under the previous administration had deprived the public of this significant space.
“As Kuala Lumpur faces challenges such as traffic congestion, tourism growth, and large-scale events, restoring Padang Merbok provides a safe, accessible place for people to gather while reducing pressure on other public spaces and preserving nearby heritage areas,” she said.
The reopening of Padang Merbok also represents a key step in restoring part of the city’s identity. – January 16, 2026