Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim calls for conservation of the historic KLSCAH building to secure its recognition as a national heritage site.
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for conservation efforts on the century-old Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH) building.
He stated this is necessary to facilitate its recognition as a historic building and national heritage.
Anwar instructed the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh to coordinate the conservation work with Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Fadlun Mak Ujud.
He also directed Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing and all relevant committees to convene and discuss the recognition process.
“This building just reached 100 years old and is required to get government recognition,” Anwar said during the Chinese New Year celebration at KLSCAH.
He assured that the land status would not be an issue, describing Malaysia as a caring society that wants to preserve its heritage.
“We treat this building as a historic building, as heritage. Therefore, we give special consideration,” he added.
According to the Department of National Heritage, construction of the KLSCAH building began in 1910 and was completed in 1923.
It was built to serve as a welfare centre for the Chinese community in Malaysia, particularly in economic and cultural sectors.