The Istana Negara (Malay for National Palace) is the official residence of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the monarch of Malaysia. It is located along Jalan Tuanku Abdul Halim (formerly Jalan Duta) in Segambut, northwestern Kuala Lumpur. The palace opened in 2011 and replaced the old Istana Negara which was located at a different compound in central Kuala Lumpur. The palace complex has an area of 97.65 hectares, 22 domes, and is split into three main portions: the Formal Component, Royal Component and Administration Component.
The site where the palace is located has been gazetted for such purpose in 1976, and numerous contractors have been involved with the initial planning. The need for a new palace, according to the then-Works Minister Samy Vellu, has been pressing due to space constraints in the old palace. The Balai Rong Seri (throne room) of the old palace was also been used as the dining and meeting rooms. The site is 96.52 hectares and situated on a hill, of which according to Malaysian Public Works Department (JKR) director-general Dr Amer Hamzah Mohd Yunus, only 28 hectares will be used for the development of the palace complex.
Construction began in November 2007 and cost RM812 million to build. The complex incorporates Islamic and Malay architectural elements, following designs by architect firm Kumpulan Seni Reka Sdn Bhd and built by construction firm Maya Maju Sdn Bhd. The palace complex was slated for completion in 2009 but was only completed in September 2011. The royal household began moving its operations to the new palace complex in phases beginning 19 October, ending with a flag-raising ceremony on 15 November. Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah of Kedah, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong XIV, was the first King to use the palace and to have his installation ceremony held there.
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