Travellers often seek more than just sights when visiting a country. They seek to uncover the stories that shape a nation’s identity. Other cities have successfully integrated history into their tourism offerings. In Asia, destinations like Thailand and Cambodia have harnessed the appeal of restored heritage sites and immersive storytelling to engage visitors with their rich cultural narratives.
Malaysia, on the other hand, has many heritage sites that remain hidden, leaving many stories untold. By restoring these treasures and enhancing their accessibility through creative place-making, we have an opportunity to transform these sites into compelling experiences for both visitors and locals.
In line with this vision, Budget 2025 has allocated RM600 million to "preserve Kuala Lumpur’s status as a cultural and creative city." This includes a mandate for Khazanah Nasional to restore and elevate the value of national heritage sites, such as the Sultan Abdul Samad Building and Carcosa Seri Negara.
“At Khazanah, our mandate goes beyond delivering sustainable financial returns; we are also entrusted with undertaking strategic investments that provide economic and societal returns for the nation. Through proper planning of creating accessible public spaces with commercial elements, the budget 2025 allocation can help preserve and protect heritage assets in a financially sustainable manner,” said Dato’ Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir, Managing Director of Khazanah Nasional.
The Ministry of Finance directly drives and oversees initiatives to preserve and retain historical authenticity, foster national pride, strengthen community identities and ensure inclusivity; which serves much more than just ‘a facelift’.
Retaining Historical Authenticity
Sultan Abdul Samad Building is an architectural masterpiece and one of Kuala Lumpur’s most significant heritage assets. Completed in 1897, it served as the New Government Office for the capital of the Federated Malay States. The building was also the backdrop to the lowering of the Union Jack and the raising of the Malayan flag for the first time during Malaya’s independence in 1957, witnessed by thousands from all levels of society.
These landmarks are more than just structures — they bear witness to key historical moments of Malaysia as a nation and are living embodiments of our national identity.
Beyond Physical Restoration“
To ensure heritage sites become vibrant living spaces, physical restoration must be paired with dynamic programming and community-centric initiatives. Placemaking will play a pivotal role in transforming these sites into vibrant hubs that encourage interaction, foster a sense of belonging, and celebrate cultural diversity. Collaboration with relevant agencies and ministries, such as the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) and Jabatan Warisan Negara (JWN), will be essential to promote these spaces and ensure meaningful engagements with both locals and tourists,” said Amirul.
For example, Sultan Abdul Samad Building could serve as a cultural hub that hosts rotating events, exhibitions, and public activities showcasing Malaysia’s diverse cultural tapestry. Collaborations with local artists, performers and artisans can provide opportunities for them to display their work while enriching visitors’ experience. Imagine walking into the building for a cultural or creative festival, where visitors can watch live demonstrations, purchase local arts and crafts and participate in hands-on workshops.
On the other hand, plans to transform Carcosa Seri Negara into a vibrant centre alongside a nature-focused retreat, a combination of cultural programming, eco-conscious initiatives, and accessible spaces will be key to ensuring it engages both locals and visitors. Carcosa Seri Negara surrounding natural environment presents opportunities for eco-focused experiences that align with sustainability principles. The grounds can feature nature trails, botanical gardens, and curated wellness spaces where visitors can reconnect with nature while learning about Malaysia’s rich biodiversity. To enhance accessibility, a new connectivity bridge linking the building from Perdana Botanical Gardens will be developed, creating a seamless experience for visitors.
By activating these spaces with engaging programs, Khazanah ensures they become living assets that drive economic value, strengthen community connections, and celebrate Malaysia’s history and culture in ways that are meaningful, accessible, and enjoyable for all.
Investments In Cultural Preservation
Investments in cultural preservation offer a unique opportunity to drive sustainable economic growth, create jobs and unlock new tourism revenue streams while ensuring Malaysia’s rich heritage is celebrated globally.
For instance, restored heritage assets can anchor heritage trails in Kuala Lumpur, encouraging longer stays and higher tourist spending. Visitors might start their journey with a walking tour of Dataran Merdeka, explore the restored Sultan Abdul Samad Building, then head to Carcosa Seri Negara via the Perdana Botanical Gardens bridge. Local businesses—including cafés, souvenir shops, and boutique hotels—will benefit from the increased footfall, fostering economic spillovers into the community.
This supports Tourism Malaysia's goal of attracting 31.4 million visitors and generating RM125.5 billion in revenue by 2025, aligning with the Ministry of Finance's economic objectives under Budget 2025 to enhance revenue streams, and achieve the projected GDP growth of 4.5% to 5.5%.
“In addition to the economic benefits, these projects would serve as centres for education, community and cultural celebrations. They would provide spaces where Malaysians can reconnect with their heritage, fostering a sense of pride and unity. By striking a balance between economic viability, inclusivity, and preservation, the groundwork for a sustainable tourism ecosystem that supports Malaysia’s broader economic goals and showcases its cultural legacy to the world is being laid,” said Amirul.
Cultural Identity Leading Up To Visit Malaysia 2026
“According to Tourism Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is the main entry point to Malaysia by air, with around 5.6 million tourists in 2023 and approximately 3.7 million in the first half of 2024. This shows that many visitors begin their journey in Kuala Lumpur, offering an opportunity to highlight the city’s history and evolution through its untold stories. With landmarks such as Sultan Abdul Samad Building, Dataran Merdeka, and Carcosa Seri Negara, we can create an inspiring narrative showcasing Kuala Lumpur's growth”.
“Through collaboration with the government under the Kuala Lumpur Creative & Cultural District (KLCCD) initiative, our subsidiary Think City is actively bringing this vision to life, curating a vibrant cultural narrative that preserves our past while advancing the city as a global destination. This effort is further empowered by the Ministry of Finance’s support in facilitating public-private collaborations and providing the necessary frameworks to drive such initiatives forward,” said Amirul.
By preserving the historical integrity of these landmarks, we honour Malaysia’s rich heritage while transforming these spaces into vibrant cultural and economic hubs that meet contemporary demands. Ultimately, through inclusive access and dynamic programming, we are ensuring that both landmarks will serve as lasting cornerstones of national pride and global appeal, strengthening Malaysia’s identity for generations to come.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
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