How much would Malaysian taxpayers shell out for a new building for Kuala Lumpur City Hall? Would RM300 sound okay?
Seputeh member of Parliament and DAP vice-chairperson Teresa Kok doesn’t think so, and says it’s “crazy” to spend that much money for DBKL’s dazzling new building, proposed along Jalan Raja Laut.
“This is crazy. Why do they need to spend so much money for a local council’s new building?” she asked on her official Facebook page:
DBKL staff are currently spread out among three buildings in the city centre: Menara 1 and Menara 2 on Jalan Raja Laut, and Menara 3, located 2 kilometres away from the other two buildings on Jalan Raja Abdullah.
The new building is set to be built on the site of Menara 2, which would be demolished, despite having just undergone renovations costing several million ringgit.
Designed by Hijjas Kasturi Associates, who won the bid through a competition organised by City Hall, the new building would comprise of four towers interconnected by sky bridges located on various levels. It would also feature a community centre, exhibition space, recreation space, and a library.
The new building will also incorporate commercial space and business centre, with function rooms available for rent to the public and private entities.
Federal Territories Minister Tengku Adnan Mansor announced that the projet would be completed by 2020 if implemented, Free Malaysia Today reports.
Tengku Adnan also said that thus far, only RM1 million of the projected RM300 million had been spent, to pay for the design of the building.
While we’re not sure if KL needs such an expensive building to house all of its parking meter readers and city bureaucrats, you have to admit: that sure is a fine-looking piece of architecture.
Photo: The Star
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