Najib says ready to declare Jalan Sultan shoplots as heritage sites

By Shazwan Mustafa Kamal

March 22, 2012

File photo of buildings in Jalan Sultan which are affected by the MRT project.

PETALING JAYA, March 22 — Datuk Seri Najib Razak said today the government is prepared to declare buildings in Jalan Sultan, Kuala Lumpur as heritage sites, assuring owners that their shophouses will not be affected by the planned Mass Rapid Transit (MRT).

He said as prime minister he was aware of the need to have a balance between urban development and heritage, and that Malaysians needed “both.”

“For us to have development in Kuala Lumpur, efficient public transport necessary; it’s not a choice… the only way forward is MRT.

“We are prepared to declare as heritage buildings... (It is) important for us to preserve history, legacy but (it) should not impede progress… then you are not moving with the times,” Najib told Chinese-language radio station 988FM in an interview this morning.

“Jalan Sultan (landowners) not against MRT but they want assurance that their shophouses not affected. (We have) given assurance,” he added.

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