Tracing history through Xplorasi Warisan KL

History lessons in Kuala Lumpur are taking participants beyond classrooms and into the city’s streets, where landmarks, heritage sites and practical challenges form part of Xplorasi Warisan KL: Merdeka Edition 2026.

The programme tests participants on historical facts, including Tunku Abdul Rahman’s second Merdeka mission to London in January 1956. It also introduces figures linked to the city and the region, such as Arthur Benison Hubback, the architect of the Federated Malay States Railways headquarters, and Diosdado Macapagal, the Philippine president involved in the formation of Maphilindo.

Organised by Warisan KL for the 69th National Day, the programme presents history through exploration and informal, interactive activities. Participants start at Stadium Merdeka, where independence was declared in 1957, and finish at Dataran Merdeka, where the flag of the Federation of Malaya was first raised.

Along the route, they visit Petaling Street, Masjid India, the Sultan Abdul Samad Building and Kuala Lumpur Railway Station. Their tasks include preparing teh tarik and taking photographs at heritage locations. They also interact with visitors and participating entrepreneurs, highlighting heritage spaces as active venues for community engagement.

The event was launched by Warisan KL Joint Secretariat representative Datuk Mohamed Nasri Sallehuddin and PNB Merdeka Ventures chief executive Datuk Ir. Izwan Hasli. Kuala Lumpur officials Farah Adura Hamidi and Faizal Mahmood also attended. The winner receives RM4,000, while the second- and third-place participants receive RM3,000 and RM2,000 respectively.