Kuala lumpur: PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn Bhd (PNBMV) has launched its first Merdeka film, GAPAI, to foster the spirit of patriotism among Malaysians in conjunction with the National Month celebration. It said GAPAI was inspired by the historic moment when Malaysia's first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, raised the cry of 'Merdeka' during the country's Proclamation of Independence in 1957.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, PNBMV's chief executive officer, Datuk Dr Izwan Ibrahim, emphasized the organization's role as the custodian of the nation's most significant heritage. He stated that PNBMV has not only the responsibility to preserve Malaysia's history but also to ensure it continues to inspire future generations. Dr Izwan highlighted that the Merdeka 118 precinct stands on the very ground where Malaysia's Independence was declared, and every visit should remind people of the nation's journey and achievements.

GAPAI also mirrors PNBMV's philosophy in developing the Merdeka 118 Precinct as a world-class location while acknowledging the communities that inhabit and have shaped the historic area. As part of its National Month celebration, the Merdeka 118 Precinct will collaborate with LOCCO to hold a three-day Merdeka celebration from August 29-31 at the Merdeka Stadium and Merdeka Boulevard.

The event will include a Merdeka Community Bazaar, cultural and heritage activities, a Merdeka Flashmob, and the WarisanKL Explorace. Additionally, the Merdeka Textile Museum (MTM) will be open to the public throughout the Merdeka weekend, offering free admission from August 22 to September 30.

GAPAI is a three-minute film produced by local Malaysian production house Twentyoneseventeen, in collaboration with PNBMV's creative agency, MandC Saatchi Karsa Malaysia. The film is set to be released to the public tomorrow (August 25) across Merdeka 118's official social media channels. The public can visit www.merdeka118.com or follow @merdeka118 on Instagram and X for the latest updates.