KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 14): The government has approved a 99-year lease renewal for the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH), with the land premium fixed at a nominal RM1,000, a significant reduction from the earlier estimated premium of approximately RM4.67 million.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh, in a Facebook post on Saturday, said the decision reflects the Madani government’s commitment to safeguarding Kuala Lumpur’s historical landmarks and ensuring that institutions of heritage significance can continue to serve future generations.

She said the nominal premium was approved following Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's commitment to give special consideration to the preservation of the historic building, after visiting the hall during a Chinese New Year celebration on Feb 17.

Hannah announced the decision at KLSCAH’s 103rd anniversary dinner on Saturday night.

“When the prime minister visited this Hall in February, he asked me to find a solution. I took that instruction seriously, and I am pleased that we have been able to deliver an outcome that recognises the importance of preserving this historic institution,” she said.

Hannah said the Federal Territories Land Committee subsequently approved the surrender and re-alienation of the land for institutional use on Sept 14, with a lease tenure of up to 99 years.

She said the formal approval letter dated Oct 1 confirmed the land premium at RM1,000 while the total amount payable under the official land notice is RM5,011, inclusive of the first year’s land rent and administrative charges, with the annual land rent fixed at RM3,151.

“Having been recognised as a National Heritage building since 2007, KLSCAH is an important part of Kuala Lumpur’s history. However, heritage recognition must be accompanied by meaningful efforts to ensure that these buildings are properly maintained and preserved.

“By easing the financial burden associated with the land premium, we hope KLSCAH will be able to channel more of its resources towards maintaining the Hall, preserving its heritage and continuing its work for the community,” she said.

Hannah emphasised that heritage preservation must reflect the diverse history and identity of Kuala Lumpur, adding that efforts to safeguard the city’s heritage should extend across all communities.

In this regard, she highlighted the ongoing efforts by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to study the preservation of traditional Malay villages in Sungai Penchala, including Kampung Palimbayan and Kampung Bukit Lanjan.

“Our city’s history was shaped by many communities, and every community has contributed to the Kuala Lumpur we know today. Preserving this shared heritage is a responsibility we must uphold together,” she said.

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