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Stadium Merdeka (Independence Stadium) is a sports stadium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It was initially erected for Malaysia's declaration of independence on August 31, 1957.
Stadium Merdeka was the site of one of Malaysia's most historically significant events. On 31 August, 1957, power was transferred from the British Empire to the newly independent Malayan government. A Tens of thousands of people crowded into the stadium, which was built specifically for this occasion.
While the stadium is an important part of Malaysia's history, it was almost demolished in the late 1990s.
The stadium and its land were given to a private company which had intended to redevelop the land into a RM1 billion entertainment and office complex. In exchange, the company was required to build seven other stadia in other locations. However, the company did not proceed with the redevelopment due to public outcry and the company's financial difficulties due to the late-1990's Asian economic crisis.
In February 2003, Stadium Merdeka was named a national heritage building.
In 2007, Merdeka Stadium underwent restoration to its original 1957 condition. The 45,000-capacity stadium has been reduced to 20,000, which meant that several of the upper terrace blocks built over the years had to be demolished.
The renovations are part of Malaysia’s 50th anniversary plans to relive the moment when Tunku Abdul Rahman proclaimed independence there. On 31 August 2007, it hosted the Perayaan Raksasa Merdeka.