The palace complex has an area of 97.65 hectares, 22 domes, and is split into three main portions: the Formal Component, Royal Component and Administration Component.[1]
There are 3 entrances to the Palace that is, through the main gateway entrance via Jalan Tuanku Abdul Halim flyover for the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Raja Permaisuri Agong, Sultan and Sultanah of the State, Yang di-Pertua Negeri, Diplomats and Government Head, Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister and wife. The second entrance located at Jalan Semantan – Dungun serves as a main entrance for the Royal Guest and VIP. The third access located at Jalan Sri Hartamas is meant for general public that has an appointment with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Raja Permaisuri Agong and also the Palace Administration's Staff.
History
The site where the palace is located has been gazetted for such purpose in 1976, and numerous contractors have been involved with the initial planning. The need for a new palace, according to the then-Works Minister Samy Vellu, has been pressing due to space constraints in the old palace. The Balai Rong Seri (throne room) of the old palace was also used as the dining and meeting rooms. The site of the new palace is 96.52 hectares and situated on a hill, of which according to Malaysian Public Works Department (JKR) director-general Dato' Sri Dr Amer Hamzah Mohd Yunus, only 28 hectares will be used for the development of the palace complex while the rest is allocated as a forest reserve and a buffer zone for safety purposes.[2]
Construction began in November 2007 and cost RM812 million to build.[3] The complex was headed by the 12th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin of Perlis, serving the mandate trusted upon him by The Malay Rulers Council as to overlook the affairs and activities of the palace's construction. Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin had also officiated the palace's new official site on 13 November 2006. The complex incorporates Islamic and Malay architectural elements, following designs by architect firm Kumpulan Seni Reka Sdn Bhd and built by construction firm Maya Maju Sdn Bhd. The palace complex was slated for completion in 2009 but was only completed in September 2011.[2]
The administration of the Istana Negara began its full operation on 11 November 2011 during the reign of the 13th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin of Terengganu. The raising of the Royal Standard of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Ceremony was held on 15 November 2011 to symbolise that the Istana Negara at Jalan Tuanku Abdul Halim had been officially declared as the new National Palace of Malaysia. The 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah of Kedah was the first King to have his installation ceremony held there.[4]
Among the unique features of the Istana Negara is its 22 domes. The two biggest domes are designed in the form of neatly layered beetle leaves. When night falls, the radiant rays of the decorative lights that illuminate the domes produce a spectacular impact to its surrounding. The colour of the lights will change according to the functions held at the palace and can clearly be seen from afar.
Palace areas
The formal component consists of the following
Main Lobby
Banquet Hall Pre-Function
Banquet Hall
Singgahsana (Main Throne)
Singgahsana Kecil (Small Throne)
Prayers Hall
Dewan Seri Maharaja (Royal Waiting Hall 1)
Dewan Seri Mahkota (Royal Waiting Hall 2)
Dewan Seri Negara (VVIP Waiting Hall)
Audience Hall
Audience Chamber
Bilik Mesyuarat Majlis Raja-Raja (The Conference Of Rulers Meeting Chamber)
