Majestic and stately
Istana negara has been a symbol of the sovereignty of the Malay Rulers. It is known as a symbol of national treasure and reflects Malaysia’s unique constitutional monarchy.
In an unprecedented time of Covid-19, three strategic locations at Istana negara were illuminated in blue lights for four nights from april 30 until May 3 in solidarity with Covid-19 frontliners.
Yang di-pertuan agong al-sultan abdullah Ri’ayatuddin al-mustafa Billah shah gave consent for Istana negara to join the “Light It Blue” campaign to honour of those on the front lines of the coronavirus fight.
Istana negara in Jalan tuanku abdul Halim (previously known as Jalan Duta) spreads across 97.65ha.
It is the centrepiece of the country’s constitutional monarchy, the position of Islam as the religion of state and other aspects that define the nation’s identity.
Consisting of three main components – the formal, royal and administration – the palace also houses other facilities such as a surau that can accommodate up to 1,000 worshippers, security office, elevated roads, underground parking, a multi-purpose hall, medical treatment room, a helicopter pad, stables as well as sports facilities.
Distinctively standing out with two large gold domes in Kuala Lumpur, the palace has a total of 22 domes which was designed to resemble an arrangement of sirih (betel nut) leaves.
Each suite and royal hall is distinctively decorated with traditional Malay-themed ornate carvings, drawings and designs with Islamic features.
Islamic elements are also evident in the form of three-dimensional geometry carvings of Quranic verses and lamps used throughout the palace, especially in the surau.
as visitors walk in the main lobby, they will find themselves under a dome that is 40m above ground – as high as a 10-storey building – fitted with a magnificent chandelier specially made in Kuala selangor.
the massive dome is surrounded by large round pillars where there are eight paintings depicting the country’s history from the Melaka sultanate to the present time.
Istana negara has suites and halls built for specific uses and purposes.
the Balairong seri, or the main throne room, has been used for official functions – including ceremonial occasions of taking the royal pledge, installation ceremony of a new elected King and the appointment of a new prime minister and the federal government.
Other formal occasions held there include investiture ceremonies and the taking of oaths by the government ministers and state governors.
this is also where the presentation and acceptance of foreign diplomatic appointments are held. It sometimes also serves as a banquet hall.
the iconic royal throne room is finely decorated with Malay traditional carvings and calligraphy of Quranic verses from the handiwork of famous woodcarving masters from Kelantan and terengganu.
the royal section of the palace is specially designed for the use of the Yang di-pertuan agong and the Raja Permaisuri agong as well as other members of the royal family.
It consists of bedrooms, the King’s office, dining and living rooms, as well as rooms for royal guests.
the well-manicured and landscaped garden is an equally prominent feature of the palace.
Istana negara started operations on nov 11, 2011, during terengganu’s sultan Mizan Zainal abidin’s tenure as the nation’s 13th King.
Previously, the official residence of the Yang di-pertuan agong was located at Istana negara Lama along Jalan Istana.
Istana negara has three main entrances, with the main entrance via the multi-storeyed road from Jalan tuanku abdul Halim reserved for the use of the King and the Queen, fellow Malay Rulers, Yang di-pertua negeris and heads of state and governments.
the main entrance will also see the deployment of Royal Guards from the First Battalion of the Malay Regiment.
the second entrance is situated at Jalan Changkat semantan which is reserved for royal guests and those who are specially invited for events at the palace.
the third entrance is located at Jalan sri Hartamas, Mont Kiara for the use of the public who has any business with the King and Queen as well as the administrative staff and guests who are invited to the palace.