Did You Know Stadium Merdeka Was Built in Record Time? 7 Facts About the Iconic Landmark

There are certain places in the country that hold a special place in the hearts of Malaysians, and Stadium Merdeka is undoubtedly one of them. The stadium witnessed one of the most significant moments in Malaysia's history when Tunku Abdul Rahman declared Malaya's independence there on 31 August 1957.

As Malaysia celebrates its 69th year of independence this year, let's take a look at some interesting facts about this iconic landmark that you might not know.

1. It took less than a year to build

Image Credit: Reclaim Merdeka Park 

Stadium Merdeka was designed by American architect and engineer Tan Sri Stanley Edward Jewkes, who was also the Director of the Public Works Department. Under instructions from Tunku Abdul Rahman, who wanted a venue large enough to host the declaration of independence, Jewkes wasted no time getting the project underway.

Construction began on 25 September 1956. On 21 August 1957, just 10 days before the declaration of independence, Stadium Merdeka was completed.

2. Construction began before the blueprints were finished

Image Credit: Citizens Journal

If the short construction timeline isn't enough to show how rushed the project was, construction was already underway even before Jewkes had completed the entire design.

According to retired civil engineer Lee Kwok Thye, Jewkes would carry out his regular duties during the day before working on the stadium's plans at his dining table after office hours.

"The entire construction was very rushed, and Jewkes never had the whole design completed, coming up with bits and pieces as work progressed."

3. The original budget wasn't enough

Image Credit: Citizens Journal 

The original budget for Stadium Merdeka was estimated at around 2.3 million Malayan dollars, equivalent to roughly RM14.6 million today. Despite the sizeable sum, it was still not enough to comfortably complete the project.

With funds limited, Jewkes ruled out imported steel and instead relied on locally sourced materials. The project also depended heavily on manual labour to keep costs down.

4. Many of the labourers were women

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Nearly 1,000 workers were involved in the construction of Stadium Merdeka. Working day and night, people from different ethnic backgrounds came together to ensure the project was completed in time for independence.

What many people may not know is that a significant number of these labourers were young women.

Lee recalled feeling sorry for the young Chinese women in black samfoos who worked tirelessly on the construction site.

"They had to prepare the concrete by hand at the site. The men would mix it and shovel it into pails for the women to carry. It was like a conveyor belt. I felt sorry for those young girls. Their shoulders would be blistered, as well as their fingers. Those loads were really heavy. But they were poor, and so they had to do it."

5. It broke two world records

Image Credit: NST

When it was completed in 1957, Stadium Merdeka held two world records: the tallest prestressed floodlight towers at 120 feet tall and the largest cantilever concrete shell roof of its time.

The stadium was also recognised as the largest stadium in Southeast Asia upon its completion.

6. It witnessed several defining moments in Malaysian history

Image Credit: The Star 

Besides being the site where Tunku Abdul Rahman proclaimed Malaya's independence on 31 August 1957, Stadium Merdeka also played a role in several other important moments in the nation's history.

Six years after independence, the stadium once again witnessed a defining milestone with the Proclamation of Malaysia on 16 September 1963. Later, during the 13 May 1969 racial riots, the stadium served as a place of refuge and safety for many Malaysians.

7. Muhammad Ali once fought there

Image Credit: Threads

Yes, you read that right. Legendary boxer Muhammad Ali fought at Stadium Merdeka on 30 June 1975.

In front of more than 22,000 fans, the American heavyweight defeated Joe Bugner, a Hungarian-born British-Australian professional boxer, to successfully retain his world heavyweight title.

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