PUTRAJAYA, Sept 27 — The Ministry of National Unity, in collaboration with the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), will hold the 2023 Kuala Lumpur Pestabola Merdeka Unity Carnival in October, featuring various sports and cultural events.
The carnival will be held for the first time in conjunction with Pestabola Merdeka 2023, which will take place at Bukit Jalil National Stadium from October 13 to October 17.
National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said two events will be contested earlier to promote the 2023 Pestabola Merdeka, namely the children's category football matches on September 30 and October 1, while a charity football match will occur on October 7.
"Football events are part of the national identity that can help instil love and loyalty to the country.
"The carnival also provides space and opportunity for the whole community to come together to enliven the carnival," he said in a statement today.
Over 100,000 visitors from all over the country are expected to attend the carnival, which will feature sporting events such as running, cycling and street football tournaments, as well as cultural performances.
Pestabola Merdeka 2023, to be participated by four teams — Malaysia, Palestine, Lebanon and India — is based on a knockout format, with the initial round on October 13, and final and third-fourth placing matches on October 17.
— Bernama
