Istana Negara, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Halim

History

The site where the palace is located was gazetted for such purpose in 1976, and numerous contractors were involved in the initial planning. The need for a new palace, according to the Works Minister Samy Vellu, had been pressing due to space constraints in the old palace. The Balai Rong Seri (throne room) of the old palace was also used as the dining and meeting rooms. The site of the new palace is 96.52 hectares and situated on a hill, of which according to Malaysian Public Works Department (JKR) director-general Dato' Sri Dr Amer Hamzah Mohd Yunus, only 28 hectares would be used for the development of the palace complex while the rest was allocated as a forest reserve and a buffer zone for safety purposes.

Construction began in November 2007 and cost RM812 million. The complex was headed by the 12th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sirajuddin of Perlis, serving the mandate trusted upon him by The Malay Rulers Council to overlook the affairs and activities of the palace's construction. Sirajuddin had also officiated the palace's new official site on 13 November 2006. The complex incorporates Islamic and Malay architectural elements, following designs by architect firm Kumpulan Seni Reka Sdn Bhd and was built by construction firm Maya Maju Sdn Bhd. The palace complex was slated for completion in 2009 but was only completed in September 2011.

The administration of the Istana Negara entered into full operation on 11 November 2011 during the reign of the 13th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Mizan Zainal Abidin of Terengganu. The raising of the Royal Standard of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Ceremony was held on 15 November 2011 to symbolise that the Istana Negara at Jalan Tuanku Abdul Halim had been officially declared as the new National Palace of Malaysia. The 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Abdul Halim of Kedah was the first King to have his installation ceremony held there.

Among the unique features of the Istana Negara is its 22 domes. The two biggest domes are designed in the form of neatly layered beetle leaves. At night falls, the rays of the decorative lights that illuminate the domes produce an impact to its surrounding. The colour of the lights will change according to the functions held at the palace and can clearly be seen from afar.

Palace areas

The formal component consists of the following

• Main Lobby
• Banquet Hall Pre-Function
• Banquet Hall
• Singgahsana (Main Throne)
• Singgahsana Kecil (Small Throne)
• Prayers Hall
• Dewan Seri Maharaja (Royal Waiting Hall 1)
• Dewan Seri Mahkota (Royal Waiting Hall 2)
• Dewan Seri Negara (VVIP Waiting Hall)
• Audience Hall
• Audience Chamber
• Bilik Mesyuarat Majlis Raja-Raja (The Conference Of Rulers Meeting Chamber)
• Kitchen Facility

The royal component consists of the following

• Royal Guest Suites 1–9
• Royal Bath (Royal Swimming Pool)
• Royal Kitchen
• Royal Dining Chamber
• Royal Private Garden
• Royal Wing's Lobby
• Royal Multipurpose Hall
• Foyer at the Royal Wing
• Office of the Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong
• Office of the Seri Paduka Baginda Raja Permaisuri Agong
• Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong & Seri Paduka Baginda Raja Permaisuri Agong Meeting Room
• Guest Lounge
• Guest Lounge on the First Floor of The Royal Wing
• Guest Lounge on the 2nd Floor of The Royal Wing
• Yang Di-Pertuan Agong's Personal Library
• Guest Library
• Mini Theatre
• TV Room
• Treatment Room
• Gymnasium, Sauna & Steam
• Dentistry Facility

The administration component consists of the following

• Offices of the palace administrators
• Praying chamber
• the Support Building
• the Security Office
• Multipurpose hall
• Emergency room
• Helipad
• Horse stable
• Swimming pool
• Sports recreation area
• Ceremonial cannons

References

References

1. Zamzukhairi Noordin. (21 November 2011). "Istana Negara : From Jalan Istana To Jalan Duta". mynewshub.
2. (14 November 2006). "New, bigger Istana Negara".
3. (18 October 2011). "Majlis Penyerahan Istana Negara Jalan Duta". Istana Negara.
4. (15 November 2011). "Istana Negara relocates to Jalan Duta". [[The Sun (Malaysia).