Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur Overview

Merdeka Square, also known as Dataran Merdeka, is the iconic landmark of Kuala Lumpur. Situated in front of the famous Sultan Abdul Samad Building, it is a popular sightseeing spot with with buildings like the National Textile Museum and City Gallery surrounding it.

Earlier known as Selangor Club Padang, Merdeka Square is the place where at the midnight on 31st August 1957, the independence of the Federation of Malaya from the British Empire was announced, officially. The most attractive sight of Merdeka Square is the 95 metres tall flagpole where the Malay flag was raised after independence for the first time. It is also the venue of Independence Day Parade each year. Merdeka Square is best visited around 9:00 PM when the free light and sound show takes place each day.

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Colonial Highlights of Merdeka Square

In the middle of Merdeka Square is the flagpole where the flag of Malaysia stoops high.
Near that is a decorative fountain known as the Cop’s Fountain in the memory of a police inspector, Steve Harper along with the Queen Victoria Fountain with eight winged lions as a respect to the diamond jubilee of Queen Victoria.
There is also a black marble plaque close to the flagpole, marking the exact location where the Malayan flag was raised for the first time after independence.
Beside the tall flagpole, the authorities have set up a big TV for showing religious messages and other advertisements to the public.

Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur — Victoria Fountain at Merdeka Square (Source)

Independence Day Parade

The Hari Merdeka Parade or the Independence Day Parade is held at the Merdeka Square every year on 31st August to celebrate the Independence of Malaysia from the British, the square being the place where it was first held after the declaration of Independence. The first ever Merdeka Parade was held in 1957 on 1st September. It is a huge celebration all around the country especially at this particular spot of Independence with thousands of people gathering every year to practice and then carry out the huge parade, wearing similar t-shirts and carrying the Malaysian flag.