The Istana Negara (Malay for National Palace) is the official residence of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the head of state of Malaysia. It is located along Jalan Duta in northern Kuala Lumpur. The palace opened in 2011 and replaced the old Istana Negara in central Kuala Lumpur.
The palace complex has an area of 97.65 hectares, 22 domes, and is split into three main portions: the Formal Component, Royal Component and Administration Component.[1]
The site where the palace is located has been gazetted for such purpose in 1976, and numerous contractors have been involved with the initial planning. The need for a new palace, according to the then Works Minister Dr. S. Samy Vellu, has been pressing due to space constraints; the Balai Rong Seri of Jalan Istana's Istana Negara where the throne is located had also been used as the dining and meeting rooms. The site is 96.52 hectares and situated on a hill, of which according to Public Works Department director-general Dr Amer Hamzah Mohd Yunus, only 28 hectares will be used for the development of the palace complex.[2]
Construction began in November 2007 and cost RM800 million to build.[3] The complex incorporates Islamic and Malay architectural elements, following designs by architect firm Kumpulan Seni Reka Sdn Bhd and built by construction firm Maya Maju Sdn Bhd. The palace complex was slated for completion in 2009 but was only completed in September 2011.[2]
The royal household began shifting its operations to the new complex in stages since October 19, which was completed with a flag-raising ceremony on November 15.[4]
The 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah, is the first King to be installed at the palace.