SHAH ALAM, Aug 18 — The Gedung Raja Abdullah, a 170-year-old heritage building linked to Klang’s tin-mining history, will be relocated closer to Istana Alam Shah as part of efforts to preserve the historic structure and boost heritage tourism.
Star Metro reported that Klang Mayor Dato’ Abd Hamid Hussain said the relocation efforts came after a proposal by Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj last year, as the building’s current location faces congestion and limited parking.
“Sultan Sharafuddin proposed relocating the building closer to Istana Alam Shah because its current location is congested and lacks adequate parking for tourists,” he said.
The building will be reconstructed off Jalan Tengku Kelana, next to Tugu Keris, about 850m from its current site, and is expected to form Klang's heritage trail linking Istana Alam Shah with Little India.
Klang Public Works Department (JKR) district engineer Khairul Amir Isahak said about 80 workers would manually dismantle the building to preserve its original bricks, tiles, and timber beams before reconstruction.
“JKR Klang will soon conduct a technical meeting with the National Heritage Department and Padat to confirm the deconstruction procedure.
“Before work begins, a specialised permit will be sought to preserve its cultural value,” he said.
Khairul added that documentation involving photographs, tagging, mapping, and architectural records is currently underway.
Dismantling works are expected to be done this month while reconstruction at the new site is targeted for December.
“This month, we expect to deconstruct the building and rebuild it at the new site in December,” he said.
Built in 1856 by Klang chieftain Raja Abdullah, the building once housed several government offices before becoming a police station in 1880.
Hamid noted that it narrowly escaped demolition in the 1980s and was saved following intervention by the late Tan Sri Mubin Sheppard, a former Klang district officer.
“Preservation efforts aim to safeguard both the Anglo-Indian structure and its historical wall drawing of a paddle steamer, enhancing its educational and tourism value,” he said.
