Relax - India, S'pore high commission buildings close for renovation works in KL

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KUALA LUMPUR - Two of the federal capital's iconic buildings housing the Indian and Singapore high commissions have closed for major renovation works.

However, the operations of both high commissions have not been affected as they have moved to temporary premises pending completion of the renovations, believed to be in three years time.

Singapore High Commission first secretary (political) Filbert Tay said the works were expected to be completed by 2014.

In the case of the Indian High Commission, the renovation works may be completed by 2015, according to its second secretary (political and information) V.V. Mohan.

It is understood that the renovations are intended to improve the working environment and facilities, as well as to upgrade security in view of major developments in their vicinity.

While the Indian High Commission nestles in a posh housing area in Taman Duta, the Singapore High Commission in Jalan Tun Razak is dwarfed by many high-rise commercial and residential premises surrounding it.

In the meantime, the operations of the Indian High Commission is being carried out in different venues.

Visas are being processed at the Straits Trading Building in Lebuh Pasar Besar near Dataran Merdeka; its cultural centre is at Capital Square in Jalan Munshi Abdullah; and the other services like administration, defence and security, are at Menara 1 Mon't Kiara near Desa Sri Hartamas.

Applications for passports go through a private company, VFS (M) Sdn Bhd, based at Wisma MCA in Jalan Ampang.

The Indian High Commission used to be at Wisma Selangor Dredging in Jalan Ampang before being relocated to Taman Duta about 20 years ago.

The Singapore High Commission has shifted to The Icon, across the road from its present site, adjacent to the United States embassy.

Its new building will have a five-storey administration block and a two-storey residential block with an underground car park.

The British High Commission in Jalan Ampang is also reportedly planning to relocate next year to Menara Binjai overlooking the Kuala Lumpur City Centre.

The current premises is said to be eyed by developers as it is seen as to be a favourable integrated development.

India, S'pore high commission buildings close for renovation works in KL

By Adrian David, New Straits Times | Tue, Sep 18 2012

The operations of both high commissions have not been affected as they have moved to temporary premises.

India, S'pore high commission buildings close for renovation works in KL

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