KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA January 16, 2026 – Historic Padang Merbok, a longstanding public space in the heart of the capital, has been fully restored to public access following the removal of perimeter fences that had restricted entry since August 2022.
Federal Territories Minister Hannah Yeoh announced the reopening during a site visit today, emphasizing that the move corrects a previous restriction imposed under the Perikatan Nasional administration. The fences were taken down as of January 14, 2026, returning the field to its traditional role as a venue open to all Malaysians.
In a statement shared on social media, Yeoh described the reopening as a key step by the MADANI government in “correcting what is wrong” and prioritizing public ownership of shared spaces.
“Padang Merbok will be fully reopened to the public – restoring access to a space that has always belonged to the people,” Yeoh stated. “This MADANI government is in the business of correcting what is wrong and we begin by returning Padang Merbok to its rightful owners: the public.”
For generations, Padang Merbok has served as a vital community hub near Dataran Merdeka and Parliament House, hosting sports activities, recreational events, and peaceful public assemblies. Its location gives it special national significance as a natural intersection of community life and democratic expression.
The prolonged fencing had denied citizens access to this important area, forcing many gatherings onto nearby roads and adding strain to Kuala Lumpur’s existing public spaces amid growing urban pressures from traffic, tourism, and large events.
By restoring full access, the government aims to provide a safer, more accessible venue for public activities while easing congestion around heritage sites and supporting the needs of a expanding city.
“Public spaces must serve the people, not power. Padang Merbok is open again – right where it belongs,” Yeoh added.
The reopening has drawn widespread coverage, with reports noting additional future upgrades to the site, including floodlights and a large screen, as well as an ongoing RM11 million project to construct a 100×30-metre underground retention pond for flood mitigation, expected to be completed by March 2027.
The move has been welcomed by many as a return to inclusive urban planning, reaffirming Padang Merbok’s enduring place in Kuala Lumpur’s civic landscape.
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