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Merdeka Square left littered after World Cup final screening
🇲🇾 Malaysia /Sports

Merdeka Square left littered after World Cup final screening

From Utusan Malaysia · () Malay

Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Kuala Lumpur City Hall expressed disappointment over the large amount of trash left at Merdeka Square after thousands gathered to watch the World Cup 2026 final.
  • Officials stated that while the city will clean up, civic awareness regarding cleanliness needs improvement, emphasizing shared responsibility for public spaces.
  • The event highlighted a disconnect between celebrating national pride and maintaining the cleanliness of historical landmarks.

Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) voiced dismay after tens of thousands of football fans left Merdeka Square littered with trash following a public screening of the World Cup 2026 final. The historic square, a symbol of national pride, was found covered in various types of waste early Sunday morning.

DBKL will clean it up. Our staff will go down to pick up what was left behind, but Kuala Lumpur's cleanliness should not always depend on others cleaning up after we leave.

— Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL)Statement on the condition of Merdeka Square after the World Cup final screening.

DBKL shared images on Facebook showing the extent of the mess, lamenting that the space was left in such a state after a night of celebration. "DBKL will clean it up. Our staff will go down to pick up what was left behind, but Kuala Lumpur's cleanliness should not always depend on others cleaning up after we leave," the statement read. The city authority stressed that while celebrations are welcome, freedom to enjoy public spaces does not extend to littering.

We can celebrate vibrantly. We can cheer to our heart's content, but freedom to have fun has never meant freedom to litter our shared space.

— Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL)Message regarding public responsibility for cleanliness.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh echoed the disappointment, thanking DBKL staff for their swift cleanup efforts. She expressed confidence in Kuala Lumpur residents' love for their city but found the condition of Merdeka Square unacceptable. "Yes, I know every taxpayer is entitled to good service. DBKL must carry out its responsibilities, and they are doing so," Yeoh said. "But throwing trash into the bin is a basic thing we should do ourselves."

Thank you to the DBKL team who immediately went down to clean up this area. While people have gone home, they are still working to restore the cleanliness and comfort of Merdeka Square.

— Hannah YeohMinister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories), thanking cleanup crews.

DBKL's message underscored that a great city is judged not only by its vibrancy during events but also by the condition it is left in afterward. "Kuala Lumpur is our home. Take care of it as you take care of your own home," the authority urged.

But throwing trash into the bin is a basic thing we should do ourselves.

— Hannah YeohMinister's comment on personal responsibility for cleanliness.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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