Dana Warisan
Dana Warisan is a dedicated initiative established following Budget 2023 to preserve and revitalise Malaysia’s national heritage assets.
It focuses on restoring historically significant sites and reintroducing them for contemporary use in a way that balances conservation, accessibility and long-term sustainability.
Khazanah plays a strategic role as an investor in enabling these projects, which often involve long development timelines, significant early-stage funding and extensive multi-stakeholder coordination. Through Dana Warisan, heritage assets are conserved and repositioned as vibrant destinations that generate cultural, social and economic value.The portfolio comprises selected heritage buildings of national significance, including assets within the Bukit Carcosa precinct and the Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad complex.
These efforts are part of Warisan KL, a broader national initiative to revitalise Kuala Lumpur’s heritage through the restoration and adaptive reuse of its built environment. The initiative brings together government agencies, GLCs, GLICs, private sector partners and communities to strengthen the city’s cultural landscape, enhance liveability and support economic activity across tourism, community enterprise and related sectors.
The conservation of all eight buildings will be undertaken in phases.
Phase 1 (2024-2026):
Phase 2:
Sites:
Note: The Conservation process refers to restoration works only and does not refer to the opening or operational use of the building.
Honouring the Past, Capturing the Present, Curating the Future
The Government of Malaysia supports Dana Warisan’s preservation and revitalisation efforts through a combination of long-term leases over heritage assets, direct funding for strategic infrastructure and connectivity initiatives, and fiscal incentives, including tax-related measures.
Key Guiding Principles of Projects Under Dana Warisan
National Pride
National Importance and Heritage
Inclusivity
Malaysian Ownership
Fundamentals for Consideration in Heritage Building Conservation
Progressive deterioration of heritage buildings due to prolonged underuse
Many heritage buildings have remained closed to public access
The Dataran Merdeka Heritage Area (DMHA) receives ~ 4.7 million tourists per year
Limited cultural and heritage attractions in Kuala Lumpur constraining tourist length of stay and repeat visitation
Potential Economic & Social Impact and Benefits
Unlock the economic multiplier effect in tourism, creative industries, and local supply chain
Expand high-quality public spaces that are inclusive, accessible, and welcoming to all
Educate and inspire Malaysians through greater awareness of the nation’s history and heritage
Cultivate patriotism and national pride through the preservation of national symbols and identity
Khazanah’s Heritage Assets and Projects
Dana Warisan’s initiatives focus on restoring and activating heritage assets of national significance, with the aim of making them accessible and relevant to the public.
Pengurusan Aset Warisan manages and operates these assets, ensuring that conservation and redevelopment are carried out in a structured and sustainable manner. Current efforts are focused on selected buildings within the Bukit Carcosa precinct and the Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad complex, with restoration works progressing in phases.
Seri Negara
Completed in 1913, Seri Negara was originally built as the lodge and residence of the High Commissioner, the highest-ranking British officer in the Federated Malay States.
Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad
This precinct served as the administrative and institutional heart of early Kuala Lumpur and remains one of the nation’s most significant heritage ensembles.
Key Execution Partners
