KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 31 — Heritage should not be viewed as a burden of the past, but as a strategic asset capable of generating tourism, driving the creative industry, creating job opportunities and strengthening the local business ecosystem.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the revitalisation of heritage buildings is among the key strategies to boost both international and domestic tourist arrivals.
Citing the Sultan Abdul Samad Building (BSAS) along Jalan Raja here as an example, Anwar said its conservation is not an effort to relive nostalgia, but an initiative to ensure that history continues to live on, be understood and serve as a guide in facing future challenges.
“This effort is at the core of the Warisan KL initiative, a strategic approach by the government to revitalise Kuala Lumpur’s key heritage sites as catalysts for culture-based urban economic development,” he said in his speech at the ceremony to mark the completion of Phase 1 of the BSAS conservation here today.
His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, graced the ceremony.
Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.
The prime minister said the conservation of the BSAS is aligned with Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), as the country is not only known for its natural beauty and cultural diversity, but also for the strength of its historical and civilisational narrative.
He said efforts to revitalise heritage buildings are not only an important strategy to drive international and domestic tourist arrivals, but also reflect the aspiration to build a modern and dynamic Kuala Lumpur that remains rooted in history and values.
“As stated in the Budget 2026, the project covers all six blocks of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building complex, in addition to the conservation of Seri Negara and Carcosa at Bukit Carcosa.
“We must also ensure that the people are able to enjoy these facilities. The conservation of BSAS is among the early manifestations that can be seen and experienced by the public. However, conservation cannot stop at structures alone, heritage buildings must be brought to life."
He said BSAS will house the Kuala Lumpur City Gallery, which traces the journey of the building and the capital city through five themed spaces spanning three centuries of history.
Apart from that, he said the Royal Selangor Gallery will showcase pewter craftsmanship as a reflection of the economic legacy, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of the people of Kuala Lumpur, rooted in the city’s tin mining history.
“I am confident that BSAS and this entire historic complex will continue to reflect the nation’s identity."
Anwar said the presence of Sultan Ibrahim was not solely to grace the ceremony but symbolised a reminder that the nation’s journey remains anchored in history, guided by values and protected by the constitutional monarchy.
The building was named the Sultan Abdul Samad Building in honour of the late Sultan Abdul Samad ibni Almarhum Raja Abdullah, the Sultan of Selangor during the era of its construction, and was officially opened in 1897 by Frank Swettenham, the first British Resident-General of the Federated Malay States.
BSAS also witnessed the birth of the nation when the Union Jack was lowered for the last time at the stroke of midnight on August 31, 1957, marking the end of British rule and the beginning of a new era as an independent and sovereign nation.
