Latest news with #LimWei-Ling
The Star
09-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
‘Promote KL history through its stories'
PETALING JAYA: An active governing body is needed to oversee effective management, promotion and compliance for physical heritage sites, says Badan Warisan Malaysia (BWM). Not only should they be maintained sustainably, there should also be more awareness on the importance of preserving heritage buildings, especially in urban and tourist-centric locations, said BWM president Lim Wei-Ling. This is due to growing recognition of the cultural, historical and economic value of tangible heritage by different segments of the population, she said. 'There should be continuous efforts to educate and engage in linking heritage preservation to broader discussions about identity, sustainability and economic development. 'The government should also emphasise the protection of our built heritage not only in Kuala Lumpur, but nationwide. 'This is to safeguard our heritage buildings from being demolished, preserve them for future generations and enable them to stay as tourist attractions,' she said when asked about getting Unesco heritage status for Kuala Lumpur's historic sites. She added that existing gazetted buildings should be protected and not have their status removed or infringed, while more sites could be recognised and gazetted. Lim said there are many instances where owners either lack the funds to repair and maintain old heritage buildings, and find it simpler to sell and divide the proceeds among descendants. To this tune, she said the government should spearhead initiatives to maintain the structures of pre-independence buildings. She also said the government should direct and supervise the preparation of a register for all listings at federal and state levels, and mandate guidelines for restoration and heritage preservation. International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilisation-International Islamic University Malaysia (Istac-IIUM) Prof Datuk Dr Ahmad Murad Merican called for more consciousness on the conservation of historic buildings, whether private or publicly owned. 'What's important is for the authorities to determine the significance of these buildings and sites to the history of Kuala Lumpur, which is still being contested. 'We have to get our history right. The narrative of Kuala Lumpur's history beginning in 1857 should be contested. It is centuries older. We cannot use colonial history and institutions to establish our presence in the modern world. 'The fact that there's an earlier name – Pengkalan Lumpur – means that there is a place and sites toward the foothills of the Banjaran Titiwangsa,' he noted. He added that Kuala Lumpur's historic dossier should be well-presented like George Town in Penang and Melaka's applications, which garnered the Unesco World Heritage status since 2008 with their colonial buildings and old shophouses, signifying the hundreds of years of trade and cultural exchange. Ahmad Murad added that jurisdiction over this can be done with the heritage commissioner for Greater Kuala Lumpur and the National Heritage Act 2005 (Act 645) instead of just depending on civil societies and NGOs. Malaysian Historical Society honorary secretary-general Prof Dr Zaid Ahmad suggested that comprehensive heritage mapping and authentic historical documentation of Kuala Lumpur be conducted, followed by proper restoration and conservation of historical buildings and architectural heritage. 'We really need to address all aspects including cultural, historical, architectural and environmental. We also need to identify the heritage zones and impose a strict protection policy. 'Community involvement is equally important because Unesco also values not just monuments but also living cultures whereby the locals develop a sense of value and pride in their surrounding heritage,' he said. Asked about his recommendations for Kuala Lumpur historical sites, he said that aside from Dataran Merdeka and the KTMB Railway Station, the Pudu area, Kampung Baru as well as schools like Victoria Institution and Maxwell can be included. In April, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim launched Warisan KL (KL Heritage), an initiative aimed at rejuvenating the historic core of Kuala Lumpur, which is spearheaded by Khazanah Nasional through its subsidiary Think City. It comprises 10 flagship projects within a 20sq km zone ranging from architectural conservation to green corridors. At least RM600mil is being pumped into this effort which includes the restoration of Carcosa Seri Negara, Sultan Abdul Samad Building, Dataran Merdeka and the Masjid Jamek enclave. As part of broader efforts to rejuvenate the city's historic core, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has taken steps to secure international recognition as a Unesco Creative City of Design. In March, DBKL also submitted an application for the Unesco Creative City Network, which prioritises innovation, governance and community engagement through creativity.
The Star
05-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Desecration risks in rezoning Vivekananda Ashram
The status of Vivekananda Ashram in Brickfields has changed from mixed development to main commercial in successive Kuala Lumpur local plans. — Filepic A NATIONAL heritage group has raised concerns over the rezoning of the century-old Vivekananda Ashram in Brickfields under the Kuala Lumpur Local Plan 2040 (KLLP 2040). Badan Warisan Malaysia (BWM) president Lim Wei-Ling said the ashram building was 'at real risk of being desecrated'. 'Gazetted in 2016, it is an important heritage building of historical and cultural significance, together with the site on which it sits in Brickfields. 'The rezoning and classification also pose an alarming risk of not having a sufficient buffer zone around the building. 'While we agree on the need for development, this should happen within reason and land around heritage sites should not be prone to overdevelopment,' she said in a media statement. Lim was responding to a StarMetro report on May 26, 'Vivekananda Ashram at a crossroads' where stakeholders highlighted an inconsistency in the revised draft of the KLLP 2040. While the ashram is classified as a Category 1 Heritage Building under the National Heritage Act 2005, the 0.4ha site is now zoned as 'main commercial', raising concerns that it could be overshadowed by future development. In the earlier draft of KLLP 2020, the land surrounding the ashram was designated for facilities, utilities and infrastructure within a heritage zone. By the time the KLLP 2020 plan was gazetted, the zoning had changed to 'mixed development'. Lim also expressed support for stronger provisions in the KLLP 2040 to protect heritage sites from development. 'Sites like Vivekananda Ashram, which are surrounded by skyscrapers, are in jeopardy of being lost and demolished within Kuala Lumpur. 'These small and meaningful heritage sites are part of the diverse historical references that define Kuala Lumpur. 'They should be celebrated and protected as part of Warisan Kuala Lumpur, an initiative launched recently by our Prime Minister,' said Lim. She stressed that authorities should offer greater protection to heritage buildings and sites in support of that vision. When contacted, Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif said in the case of the ashram, 'if a proposal is submitted and follows the local plan, we can look into the sensitive design around the site.' 'There are mechanisms in place to protect the heritage building,' she said. On concerns that stakeholder input was not considered in the amended KLLP 2040, Maimunah said that when she assumed office in August, the local plan study was already nearing completion after public participation. 'The committee presented me with the outcomes and proposed amendments in October. 'Proposals that align with the plan will be approved while those that do not, will be rejected,' she said.
New Straits Times
25-04-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
'Soul' city: KL must balance modernity with cultural spaces, diverse heritage
KUALA LUMPUR: Kuala Lumpur must balance a modern skyline with public cultural spaces that reflect the city's diverse heritage and give it a sense of soul. Badan Warisan Malaysia (BWM) president Lim Wei-Ling said while the city boasted impressive skyscrapers, it must balance modernity with vibrant cultural public spaces that foster people's connection to its diverse heritage and encourage cultural exchange. Lim said the newly launched Warisan KL project presented an opportunity to address this by enhancing heritage sites and creating dynamic spaces for people to gather and celebrate the city's rich history. "Badan Warisan Malaysia was pleased to attend the launch of the Warisan KL project and applauds it as a positive and much-needed initiative to restore and revitalise key heritage sites in the city. "We are heartened that Dataran Merdeka and Carcosa Seri Negara will be given renewed attention as these landmarks hold immense historical and cultural significance," she said. She added that once restored, these spaces had the potential to become central hubs for tourism, cultural activities, and community interaction. Earlier yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim launched the Warisan KL initiative, aimed at rejuvenating the city's historical core into a creative and cultural district. The initiative, formally known as "Warisan KL: Warisan Ibu Kota Malaysia Madani", is a public-private collaboration led by Kuala Lumpur City Hall and ThinkCity, in response to the gradual hollowing out of Kuala Lumpur's historic centre. Spanning a 20 sq km area, Anwar said the initiative would feature 10 flagship projects designed to reposition Kuala Lumpur as a global creative hub — uniquely Malaysian, inclusive, and well-connected. On which facilities should be prioritised to attract more tourists, Lim recommends focusing on the heritage trail from Kuala Lumpur Railway Station to Masjid Jamek, encompassing iconic sites such as Kuala Lumpur Railway Station, Sultan Abdul Samad Building, Dataran Merdeka, and Masjid Jamek, among others. She said these landmarks formed part of the historic heart of Kuala Lumpur, and their restoration and activation would boost heritage tourism while preserving the city's unique character. "BWM strongly supports this initiative and looks forward to collaborating with stakeholders to ensure that the project not only conserves our heritage but also elevates Kuala Lumpur as a culturally vibrant and livable city. "With the Warisan KL project in place, Kuala Lumpur is set to become a truly global city that encompasses and embraces both modernity as well as respect for culture and heritage — valuing and preserving the tradition and historical significance of its diverse communities." Inbound Tourism Alliance Consortium president Uzaidi Udanis said the initiative would highlight the city's soul. Aside from refurbishing and upgrading buildings, or "hardware", he said emphasis must also be placed on the "software" — features such as cleanliness. "There is some imbalance in the city. Areas such as Petaling Street and Little India in Brickfields have improved significantly, but I was quite surprised by the condition of the areas around Masjid India, which are not up to standard," he said. "One of the tourist spots there, Haniffa, was once considered a one-stop shopping centre, especially popular among tourists from Indonesia, Brunei, the Middle East, and India. "However, the area around it is now crowded with beggars and the homeless. We need to clean up the area." He added that there should also be more activities, food trail signages, and pedestrian-friendly walkways, especially those that connect with the Light Rail Transit system.
