KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 28 — Ombak KLCC, Kuala Lumpur’s new culture-led lifestyle destination, is now open to the public following its soft opening on August 21.

The shopping mall is ushering in the Merdeka celebrations with a four-day programme of cultural showcases and public activities.

Held under the theme “Jiwa Merdeka”, the programme brings together performances, markets and community experiences reflecting Malaysia’s multicultural identity.

Visitors can expect traditional elements from the Malay, Chinese and Indian communities throughout the celebration, highlighting the country’s diversity in conjunction with the National Day festivities.

At a preview today, visitors were also treated to a performance by songstress Datuk Sheila Majid, adding to the festive atmosphere at the newly opened mall.

Throughout the Merdeka weekend, Pesta Kopi Merdeka will take place at the Rooftop Garden, offering coffee lovers a themed gathering in an open-air setting.

Meanwhile, Pasar Seloka at the Concourse Level will feature Malaysian artisans and craftsmen, providing them with a platform to showcase their creations in one of the country’s most visited precincts.

The celebrations will continue on August 30 with Semarak Jiwa Merdeka di KLCC at KLCC Park, where music, lights and sound will come together in the heart of the city as Malaysians mark the nation’s independence.

KLCC (Holdings) Sdn Bhd group chief executive officer Datuk Sr Mohd Salem Kailany said Ombak KLCC introduces a distinctive new cultural layer to the KLCC Precinct by creating a dedicated space where art, culture and lifestyle come together.

“It adds a new immersive and experiential layer, offering an even more holistic retail, leisure, and hospitality experience for Malaysians and the international community.

“With Jiwa Merdeka, we are bringing that vision to life from the very beginning through 69 activations over four days, and open to everyone,” he said.

Located along the eastern edge of KLCC Park and directly connected to the Persiaran KLCC MRT station, Ombak KLCC was conceived as a destination blending art, culture, dining and curated retail across seven levels.

The development also features a rooftop Sky Garden and an open-air plaza, positioning it as a lifestyle and gathering space within the KLCC precinct.

Its name is reflected in its design, with “ombak”, the Malay word for wave, expressed through the mall’s architecture and aesthetic.

At the heart of the development is Galeri Petronas, which serves as Ombak KLCC’s anchor tenant and a central component of its cultural offering.

Its purpose-designed space will provide a contemporary setting for exhibitions, artistic expression and cultural exchange.

Ombak KLCC is currently operating at about 30 per cent occupancy, with more outlets expected to open gradually in the coming months as the mall moves towards full operations.