I WROTE to the Malaysian Heritage Society for its help and the government’s intervention in the preservation of a colonial building (picture) along Jalan Ampang in Kuala Lumpur. Unfortunately, I did not receive a response, even after four months.
The building was formerly occupied by the Spanish Embassy on a plot of land known as 200, Jalan Ampang (about 100m from the French Embassy).
It is a freehold land held under Geran 20541 and Geran 13473, Lot 211 and Lot 5 respectively, Section 88A, situated in Kuala Lumpur.
On this land stands a very beautiful bungalow, probably built in the late 19th or early 20th Century. The building had a well-manicured garden when it was occupied by the Spanish Embassy until 2012.
There are many trees still surrounding that building and a small kampung house at the back, which I believe could have been used by the servants in days gone by. It is unique and very difficult to find such a property in KL.
I recall that even monkeys used to hang around the area as there were many trees at the back of the building (which remains to this day).
In this day and age, it is hard to see so much greenery and a magnificent colonial building in the heart of KL contrasted by a modern concrete jungle with the Petronas Twin Towers as the backdrop.
Unfortunately, the Spanish Embassy moved out in 2012 on the directive of the Malaysian Rubber Board (MRB), the owners of this plot of land.
The building is now in a state of disrepair, infested with mosquitoes and (occasionally) drug addicts and even graffiti have been painted on the walls.
But, these are all minor issues which can be tackled.
Apparently a high-rise construction will take place on that land soon. Ostensibly, this colonial building will be torn down. This would be a big mistake, and I urge the Malaysian Heritage Society to do everything in its power to stop this beautiful building from being demolished.
The MRB is a government-linked entity and has many plots of land in Jalan Ampang, which they have or are about to develop. I don’t see why this land with this building must be destroyed for yet another high-rise building.
I believe MRB already has a sizeable land bank along Jalan Ampang, which brings lucrative returns to the corporation. I urge MRB to have a conscience and leave this quaint building and land alone.
There have been many complaints of previous heritage buildings along Jalan Ampang that weredemolished to make way for new developments. One example was Bok House (the former mansion of local millionaire Chua Cheng Bok), which was demolished to make way for the Ampang Park LRT station and Menara Binjai.
I certainly hope that this building will not suffer the same fate.
I realise that this land is valuable and it is inevitable that development will come to this area. However, as in many Western countries, we must look at it from another standpoint and develop this piece of land sustainably.
For example, restore the building to its original condition and then lease it to one of the foreign embassies again or turn it into a museum, a handicraft centre or a commercial building specialising in selling antiques, or even a colonial-themed establishment like the Majestic Hotel or the Coliseum in Kuala Lumpur.
The expatriates living around this area will appreciate it, too. No doubt the returns will not be as lucrative as a high-rise building, but this is a small price to pay when we consider that a colonial building like this, today, is so rare and priceless, and we must do everything we can to preserve whatever is left for future generations.
Our children and children’s children will be happy that we did. I hope that serious consideration will be given by MRB, the Malaysian Heritage Society and the government on this matter.
G.I., Kuala Lumpur