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“Cabaran Merdeka 68” Unites Community at SIREH Park
ISKANDAR PUTERI, 12 September 2025 – SIREH Park, Johor’s largest urban community green recreational park, came alive with community spirit and patriotic energy on 31 August as it hosted “Cabaran Merdeka 68”, a vibrant celebration of resilience, teamwork and national pride through sports, culture and nature-based activities.
Held in conjunction with Malaysia’s 68th National Day, the event drew over 350 visitors and featured a symbolic endurance challenge involving 68 participants. The multi-disciplinary course combined road biking, trail running, kayaking, mountain biking, swimming, fun-run with school students and a wheelchair-racing segment.
At the heart of the challenge was the symbolic act of carrying a capsule containing the Jalur Gemilang throughout the course, a gesture representing unity, perseverance and collective pride in Malaysia’s journey as a nation.
The event also featured a Merdeka Parade, alongside cultural showcases, poetry recitations, traditional dance performances and a patriotic costume contest, all reinforcing the inclusive and unifying spirit of Merdeka.
Faisal Mohd Nor, Head of Regional Open Space of SIREH Park, said, “Cabaran Merdeka 68 is symbolic of our nation’s journey. It is diverse, challenging and built on unity. It reflects the strength of our communities and the inclusive spirit we strive to foster. We are proud to create spaces where people can come together to connect, celebrate and grow as one.”
Spanning 343 acres, SIREH Park was formerly a coconut plantation and secondary forest. The area has been restored and rehabilitated into a thriving biodiverse public space, a recreational haven for families and a natural stage for community activity.
SIREH Park is UEM Sunrise’s demonstration of its long-term commitment to sustainable township development and placemaking. As one of Malaysia’s leading property developer, UEM Sunrise envisions thoughtfully designed spaces as catalysts for ecological resilience, community wellbeing and environmental education.
As the heart of Iskandar Puteri’s green corridor, SIREH Park will continue to anchor inclusive, purpose-driven experiences that bring people together and strengthen the communities it serves.
Participants kayaking along the Chicken Feet Lake in SIREH Park as part of the "Cabaran Merdeka 68" activities.
In the spirit of unity and harmony, "Cabaran Merdeka 68" brought together wheelchair bound and visually impaired individuals, students, and adults of all races to celebrate Malaysia’s 68th Merdeka celebrations.
Unity in Motion: Traditional performances filled Sireh Park with colours and rhythm as Malaysians of all backgrounds came together to celebrate our 68th Merdeka, a true reflection of harmony, culture, and the spirit of independence.
A young participant receiving a prize for the Merdeka-themed costume competition held during the event.