Masjid Jamek KL renamed as Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad

KUALA LUMPUR: The iconic Masjid Jamek in the city centre has been renamed as Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad.
The renaming ceremony was officiated by the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah today.
Also present at the ceremony was Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak, Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom and Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali.
According to Tengku Adnan, the renaming of Masjid Jamek comes after the mosque was refurbished under the River of Life (RoL) project.
"This move is an initiative in preserving the nation's treasure, where this mosque is also an iconic tourism product that we have in Malaysia," he said.
The RoL aims to transform the Klang River into a vibrant and livable waterfront with high economic value, under three main components-River Cleaning, River Development and River Master Planning and Beautification.
Master planning and beautification works have also been made along a 10.7km stretch along the Klang and Gombak River corridor, including significant landmarks in the area like Dataran Merdeka and Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad.
Tengku Adnan said the upgrade saw an additional prayer hall which can accommodate up to 1,000 people.
"Those who come and pray here will also no longer be exposed to heat as we have installed a few giant fans at the outer part of the main hall.
"There are also a few giant umbrellas installed. These umbrellas are inspired by the hydraulic umbrella in Masjid Nabawi, Madinah," he said.
Masjid Jamek was launched by the 5th Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Alauddin Sulaiman Shah on 23 December 1909.
The mosque was built above a graveyard, and all the graves were transferred to the Jalan Ampang Islamic Cemetery in 1906.
The idea to rename the iconic mosque that was built in 1909 was mooted by Sultan Sharafuddin.