PESZTA, the annual Malaysia-themed festival in Kampung Attap this year welcomed at least 5,000 visitors from all corners, coming together to celebrate Hari Malaysia! From last year’s edition which saw at least 4,000 visitors, the growing crowd highlights the festival’s increasing appeal. The third edition of this highly anticipated festival offered a variety of engaging activities across Kampung Attap and Merdeka 118 precinct through Stadium Merdeka activation.
Brought to life by PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn. Berhad (PMVSB) in collaboration with Think City Sdn. Bhd. and the communities of Kampung Attap, PESZTA introduced new partners to strengthen engagement with the surrounding neighbourhoods and foster greater community participation. Among the popular attractions was the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH), which offered a reflective experience through its well-received historical exhibitions entitled Fight for Freedom, Journey to Liberation, Legends of the Century: Loke Yew, and The History Corridor of KLSCAH, drawing over approximately 500 visitors. In addition, three heritage tours, namely Stadium Merdeka Heritage Tour, Zhongshan Secret Tour, and Heart Curated Tour were a hit, with 100% registration and an estimated total of 100 participants. The event also spurred market sales at Sam Mansion and the Zhongshan Building area, which saw a significant 22% increase in sales compared to the previous year.
In addition to community partners, PESZTA was also supported by 8 of the Merdeka 118 Community Grants Programme recipients, including Hara Maker, which focused on the creative transformation of waste into beautiful, functional items through upcycling initiatives led by International Islamic University Malaysia. These unique, eco-friendly products were available for purchase during the event, with Hara Maker achieving sales of RM730. Chee Lee Yoon from Hara Maker shared, “We are grateful to PESZTA for giving us the platform to share our passion for upcycling with the community. This event has allowed us to educate the public about the importance of eco-friendly products and sustainability, while showcasing how waste can be creatively transformed into something useful.”
Other highlights from the Merdeka 118 Community Grants Programme recipients included Eats, Shoots & Roots, which offered a unique farm-to-table experience where visitors could engage directly with the urban farming initiative. Visitors had the chance to purchase fresh, locally grown produce like tea, along with delightful products such as syrup and popsicles, all contributing to Eats, Shoots & Roots achieving an impressive RM 1,000 in sales. Low Shao-Lyn from Eat, Shoots & Roots, commented. Founded in 2012 with the mission of bringing urban communities closer to nature through growing their own food, we are pleased to be able to showcase our produce grown at the VTOC Urban Farm to a wider audience through PESZTA. By supporting our urban farming efforts in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, people are not only enjoying fresh, locally grown produce but also enabling us to continue our mission of fostering greener, healthier communities.”
Additionally, festival visitors were treated to live plein air painting sessions by the talented Jamal Tommy and his 14 friend artists, who beautifully captured the festival’s vibe and atmosphere in watercolour artworks. These artworks, along with other paintings from Jamal’s grant project, may be exhibited on 2nd November at Central Market. The exhibition will feature works from Jamal Tommy Gallery and 5 participating artists under the Jamal Tommy Resident Artist. Jamal Tommy commented, “This was first time participating in PESZTA after Merdeka Weekend last 2 weeks, and the experience of painting while people watched was truly exciting. We hope PMVSB will continue to organise festivals like these, as they provide a valuable platform for local talents to showcase their art and allow others to appreciate the creativity in our community.”
These are just a few of the many key highlights that made PESZTA an unforgettable experience this year, showcasing a diverse range of cultural, artistic, and community-driven activities that engaged and delighted visitors.
PESZTA concluded on a high note with the MANTAP KAMPUNG ATTAP concert. Malaysian pop icon Ning Baizura headlined the event, delivering powerful performances that had the audience cheering along to her classic hits. The concert also showcased popular local acts such as Leaism, Nice Stupid Playground, Plague of Happiness, Jo Linian, Blanco Music, and Salammusik, all of whom brought their own unique energy to the stage.
PNB Merdeka Ventures’ Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Tengku Ab. Aziz Tengku Mahmud said, “PESZTA has played a vital role in uplifting the local community, offering small businesses a platform to showcase their products and talents. It has helped bring visibility to the community here, allowing them to reach a wider audience and build a stronger presence. This is at the heart of what PESZTA represents, building a thriving community that grows alongside the Merdeka 118 development.”
“As we close another successful edition of PESZTA, we are truly grateful for the incredible support from the Merdeka 118 precinct community and all our partners. This festival continues to grow each year, and we are excited to explore new ways to engage with the community and showcase even more of Malaysia’s vibrant culture in the future,” he continued.
Stay connected with Merdeka 118 for updates on future events and ongoing initiatives by visiting its official social media channels.
