KUALA LUMPUR – Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories), Hannah Yeoh, has reminded Malaysians that keeping public spaces clean is a shared responsibility after Dataran Merdeka was left strewn with rubbish following a public screening of the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina early Monday.
In a Facebook post, Hannah expressed disappointment over the condition of the historic site after thousands of football fans gathered to watch the final.
“I believe the people of Kuala Lumpur love this city. That is why I am disappointed that Dataran Merdeka was left in this condition,” she said.
She also thanked Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) cleaning personnel for their swift response in restoring the area after the crowd dispersed.
“When everyone had gone home, they were still working to restore the cleanliness and comfort of Dataran Merdeka,” she said.
Hannah acknowledged that taxpayers have every right to expect quality public services and said DBKL had fulfilled its responsibilities.
“Yes, I know every taxpayer has the right to receive good services. DBKL must carry out its responsibilities, and they did,” she said.
However, she stressed that basic civic responsibility should not be overlooked.
“But throwing rubbish into the bin is a basic responsibility that we should carry out ourselves. The right to receive services does not mean all responsibility can be handed over to public workers. They should not have to clean up rubbish that we deliberately leave behind,” she added.
Describing Dataran Merdeka as more than just an event venue, Hannah said the landmark represents the nation’s history and the pride of Kuala Lumpur.
“Dataran Merdeka is not just an event location. It is part of our nation’s history and the pride of our city,” she said.
She added that the Malaysia MADANI vision is not only about the government fulfilling its responsibilities but also about citizens doing their part.
“Malaysia MADANI is not only about a government that fulfills its responsibilities. It is also about people who know how to demand their rights without forgetting their basic responsibilities,” she said.
Echoing Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Hannah said progress should not be measured solely by physical development.
“As the Prime Minister often emphasises, progress is not only measured through physical development but also by our attitude towards respecting and caring for public spaces,” she said.
She concluded by once again thanking DBKL personnel and urging the public to take greater pride in the capital.
“Kuala Lumpur is our home. Don’t dirty our own home and expect someone else to clean it,” she said.
In a separate statement, DBKL said thousands of football fans who gathered at Dataran Merdeka to watch the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina had left the area covered in rubbish.
“DBKL will clean it up. Our officers will collect what has been left behind, but the cleanliness of Kuala Lumpur should not always depend on others cleaning up after us,” the statement said. – July 20, 2026