Lao content creators and Asean media gather at the Iftar Ramadan 2026 event on Saturday.

Dataran Merdeka returns as focal point of IFTAR Ramadan 2026, celebrating unity in the capital city

The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), through the National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN) in collaboration with Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), once again enlivened the holy month this year through the organisation of the Iftar Ramadan 2026 programme.
This iconic programme, now entering its 14th year, is taking place on February 28,  March 1, and March 14 and 15, along Jalan Raja, Dataran Merdeka. Saturday’s launch ceremony was officiated by Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, YB Mr Chiew Choon Man.
Also in attendance were the Mayor of Kuala Lumpur and YBhg. Dato’ Shaharuddin bin Abu Sohot, Secretary-General of MOTAC, YBhg. Datuk Seri TPr. Fadlun bin Mak Ujud.

The event was further graced by Deputy Secretary-General (Culture) of MOTAC, YBhg. Dato’ Mohd Yusri bin Mohd Yusoff and Director-General of JKKN, YBrs. Mr Mohd Amran bin Mohd Haris, Director-General of JKKN.
Commenting on this year’s event, YBhg. Dato’ Shaharuddin said: “Iftar Ramadan 2026 is not merely a mass breaking-of-fast event, but a manifestation of harmony among Malaysia’s multiracial society. At the historic Dataran Merdeka, we not only celebrate spiritual values, but also elevate Islamic cultural heritage as a niche tourism product capable of attracting both domestic and international tourists.”
“I hope the active involvement of young people and volunteers in this programme will nurture a deeper sense of social responsibility, while strengthening Malaysia’s identity as an inclusive and progressive cultural tourism destination.”
Previously known as the Festival Ramadan (2012) and Iftar @ KL (2015), the Iftar Ramadan 2026 programme continues to uphold a relaxed yet meaningful spiritual concept.
In addition to serving as a platform for worship, it acts as a unifying agent that strengthens brotherhood and fosters inter-ethnic tolerance through various cultural activities.
The programme also emphasises volunteerism through communal activities (gotong-royong) involving university students, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and individuals, with the aim of instilling noble values within the community.
Participants not only have the opportunity to break fast together, but can also enjoy various activities such as the preparation and distribution of bubur lambuk, performances by Dato’ M. Nasır, Caliph Buskers, Kumpulan Hijjaz and Kumpulan Qasidah Masjid Jamek Kl., congregational prayers, Quran recitation (tadarus), volunteer activities, Ramadan Talks (Bicara Ramadan), Malam Tujuh Likur, zakat fitrah counters, and more.
Among the strategic partners of Iftar Ramadan 2026 are Tourism Malaysia, the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department, Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad, the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council, Khazanah Nasional, the Zakat Collection Centre, Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JPBM), and the Kuala Lumpur Foodtruck Entrepreneur’s Association (KLFTEA).
The programme is also supported by sponsors including the Islamic Tourism Centre, Watsons, F&N, Yayasan Muhibbah, Fipper Retail Sdn Bhd, CLC Fishery (M) Sdn Bhd, Ganda Kota Sdn Bhd, Binery Sdn Bhd, Media Prima, Suria FM, RASA, Nu Ideaktiv Sdn. Bhd., Nestlé, Agro Bank, YAPEIM, Spritzer, Odah Kerepek House, Biolyn, Yee Lee Corporation, and Kawan Food Manufacturing Sdn Bhd.

By Viengdavanh Banphahaksa
(Latest Update March 4, 2026)