The iconic buildings at the junction of Jalan Raja and Jalan Tun Perak, namely the old Federated Malay States (FMS) Survey office and Supreme Court, will finally be given a face-lift!
The old Supreme Court building was completed in 1915, and later the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) turned it into the National Heritage Department Office.
Photo via The Star
According to the New Straits Times, Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Nor Hisham Ahmad Dahlan said the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry had handed the buildings over to KL City Hall (DBKL) for the RM120 million upgrade.
Around RM10 to RM15 million will go to the cost of plugging leaks and fixing the roofs and domes.
Part of the allocation for the upgrade was expected to be used for the restorative work outside the building.
DBKL’s Project Implementation and Building Maintenance Department senior deputy director, Norzaini Noordin said the FMS Survey Office building appears to be in the worst state, and it would take some time for the building to be restored.
Photo via GoKL
The roof and the two domes on Jalan Tun Perak may collapse in the next five years if they don’t do anything soon.
A tree was found growing in its air well, while the roof and other wooden structures like the staircase has crumbled due to neglect.
Budget constraints are believed to be one of the reasons why the ministry relinquished the management and operations of the building.
Photo via NST
Norzaini also added that Panggung Bandaraya, located at the old City Hall, and parts of the old City Hall headquarters and the courtyard will be opened to the public in May.
“We will open them up soon to the public and access will be free. You can walk inside the buildings and take pictures,” he added.
A bangsawan (Malay opera) play will be performed at Panggung Bandaraya upon its reopening.
We can’t wait to visit what was once a huge part of Malaysian history!
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
