Federal Territories Minister Hannah Yeoh has criticised football fans who left rubbish scattered across Dataran Merdeka following a public viewing of the World Cup final early this morning.
Yeoh thanked Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) for cleaning up the area, but said disposing of rubbish properly should be a basic responsibility shared by all Malaysians.
She said Dataran Merdeka is more than just an event venue, describing it as an important part of the nation’s history and a symbol of the dignity of the capital city.
Dataran Merdeka deserves respect
In a Facebook post, Yeoh said the Malaysia Madani concept is not only about the government fulfilling its responsibilities, but also about citizens exercising their rights while carrying out their civic duties.
She said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has consistently emphasised that national progress should be measured not only through physical development, but also by the public’s attitude towards respecting and preserving shared spaces.
‘Kuala Lumpur is our home. Don’t litter your own home and expect someone else to pick up after you,’ she said.
DBKL expresses disappointment
DBKL also criticised the condition of Dataran Merdeka after the event, saying it was saddened by the amount of rubbish left behind.
It said thousands of people had gathered to celebrate football and enjoy the match together, but the historic venue was left littered once the celebrations ended.
‘Dataran Merdeka is a symbol of the country’s dignity and history. The way we leave it reflects the way we value it,’ DBKL said.
More than 25,000 football fans gathered at Dataran Merdeka to watch the World Cup final, which was broadcast live on a giant outdoor screen.
