Sultan Sharafuddin (left) and Azmin stand up on the Hop-On Hop-Off bus as they pass the Kota Darul Ehsan arch for the launching ceremony at Hilton Petaling Jaya.
SULTAN of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah and Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Azmin Ali took a bus ride to see the refurbished Kota Darul Ehsan arch all lit up at night.
They were on a Hop-On-Hop-Off bus that drove past the arch for them to see it for the first time after its restoration.
Kota Darul Ehsan borders Selangor and Kuala Lumpur along the Federal Highway.
The Selangor Ruler later officially launched the restored arch at the Hilton Petaling Jaya.
He also visited an exhibition on the rehabilitation and restoration works done on the arch by the Selangor Public Works Department (JKR).
Officially opened in 1981 by his late father Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah, Kota Darul Ehsan was a symbol for the people of Selangor that showed the state’s dynamism, modernity, and its richness in history.
Selangor JKR director Datuk Ruslan Abd Aziz said the state had allocated RM12mil for the restoration and rehabilitation of Kota Darul Ehsan.
“The work include engraving and motif on the walls, foot pole, truss and dome using light materials not endangering motorists while not changing the original design of Kota Darul Ehsan.
“The work scope included installation of flag poles, special lighting, upgrading of electrical supply while planting of grass and scrubs within the vicinity of Kota Darul Ehsan,” added Ruslan.
Azmin said Selangor folk were proud of the arch as it symbolised “Darul Ehsan” translated as the Land of Excellence.
He said the arch incorporated Andalusia and local architecture.
“In many countries, an arch symbolises victory, opening of a new city, winning a war, or crowning of a King or Sultan.
“For example, the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany is visited by tourists worldwide and so are Arc de Triomphe in Paris, Wellington Arch in London and India Gate in New Dehli.
“Kota Darul Ehsan is also like these famous landmarks, and the state felt responsible to restore it for it to be enjoyed and appreciated by the future generation,” he said.
