Carcosa Seri Negara rented to local firm

KUALA LUMPUR: Carcosa Seri Negara has been rented by a 100% Malaysian social enterprise called Asian Heritage Museum Sdn Bhd for an artefact trading and performing arts centre, and not a China company as claimed on social media.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said the purpose of the tenancy of the heritage building, that come under the purview of his ministry, included the staging of Asian martial arts displays, galleries and educational history tours of the place.
"As the custodian of the site, we wish to clarify the two issues that have been the subject of concern among the public.
"Firstly, it's about whether the heritage status of the property is under threat as alleged and secondly, about the alleged improper use of the property," he said in a statement today.
Wan Junaidi was responding to allegations circulating on social media that the property had been rented to a China company to use as an office and that its heritage status might be threatened.
According to the statement, Carcosa Seri Negara had been rented for use as an upmarket hotel, but the venture failed.
"At present, the building is not in good condition because it had been abandoned.
"Through this tenancy agreement, we believe the property will be preserved to reflect the site's heritage status."
Wan Junaidi said the company must comply with a policy related to the preservation of heritage under the National Act 2005 and conditions imposed by the local authorities.
He said the tenancy would be terminated immediately if there was non-compliance with the conditions stated in the offer letter, and any renovations or structural alterations which affect the heritage building status was prohibited.
Wan Junaidi was also appointed as the honorary adviser of the tenancy to ensure the status of the site remained intact as a national heritage site. – Bernama