Grand Iftar: 35,000 expected at Dataran Merdeka this weekend
KUALA LUMPUR, March 14 – Over 35,000 people are expected to gather at Dataran Merdeka for Iftar @KL 2025, a large-scale community iftar organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (Motac).
The event will take place across two weekends on March 15-16 and March 22-23. It aims to celebrate Ramadan with a mix of cultural and social activities.
A Celebration of Culture and Unity
Iftar @ KL, hosted by Motac through the National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN), is a collaborative effort with Kuala Lumpur City Hall and the KL Food Truck Entrepreneur Association (KLFTEA). The programme seeks to foster togetherness among locals and visitors, offering a meaningful Ramadhan experience while promoting Malaysia’s cultural heritage.
According to Bernama, JKKN director-general Mohd Amran Mohd Haris stated that Dataran Merdeka, with its iconic backdrop and a steady stream of tourists serves as an ideal venue for showcasing Malaysia’s unique Ramadhan traditions.
He also noted that this year’s event will feature tents to ensure visitors’ comfort, addressing past challenges posed by unpredictable weather.
A significant part of iftar @ KL is its strong volunteer engagement, which plays a crucial role in the event’s operations. Volunteers assist with food distribution, crowd management, and logistics, reinforcing the spirit of gotong-royong.
Motac is also working to encourage greater youth involvement, including the return of international student volunteers, a component that was more prominent in the early years of the programme.
“The aim is to nurture positive values and a sense of responsibility, particularly among young people,” Mohd Amran said. “This event is more than just breaking fast. It is about strengthening community bonds through volunteerism.”
Building Bridges Across Communities
For many volunteers, the experience goes beyond logistics and is about making a meaningful impact. Ain Tasnim Mat Yasim, 27, shared that being part of the initiative since 2019 has been deeply rewarding. “Seeing people from all walks of life sharing a meal together makes all the effort worthwhile,” she said.
Meanwhile, Mark Yogaraj Kunasegaran, president of the Malaysian Inspirational Leadership Foundation, emphasized the event’s role in fostering unity. He said Iftar @ KL brings people together, regardless of background, creating an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding.
As one of the flagship programmes leading up to Visit Malaysia Year 2026, Iftar @ KL 2025 is set to be more than just a Ramadan gathering. It is a reflection of Malaysia’s warmth, diversity, and community spirit.
