Monument to honour nation’s first King

Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman was formerly known as Batu Road as it was originally a path leading to the Batu village where mining activities took place.

A MONUMENT will be built along Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman (TAR) to commemorate the first Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

The monument will be erected at the Jalan TAR and Jalan Dang Wangi junction (in front of Sogo) by the Batu Road Retailers Association (Barra) and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).

A sculpture competition will be held to choose the best design to honour the nation’s first King, Tuanku Abdul Rahman Tuanku Muhammad.

Barra president Datuk V.K. Liew said the monument would educate tourists and locals about the area’s history.

“There will also be a plaque detailing the history of Jalan TAR, which was previously called Batu Road, as it led to the Batu village where mining activities took place.

“Many people erroneously assume that the road was renamed after our first prime minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman.

“At 1.5km, it is one of the longest shopping streets in the country.

“Many pre-war buildings still remain, some were built as early as 1912,” he said.

Liew added that RM10,000 worth of cash and prizes would be given away in the competition, which is open to all Malaysians for RM50 per entry.

Registration is open from Dec 22 and will close on Jan 20.

Teams can be represented by up to six members.

“We will shortlist the entries to 10 finalists and we expect to announce the winner by March,” Liew said.

He added that entries would be judged on clarity and effectiveness of design, use of material (minimum 50% Malaysian-made) as well as creativity and originality.

Barra was established in June and some 300 businesses on Jalan TAR are represented.

The association aims to make the shopping precinct a clean and affordable shopping destination in the city.

“By working closely with DBKL, we hope to improve, among others, the lighting, infrastructure and beautification programmes in this area,” Liew said.

Registration forms may be obtained at the Barra office during working hours at 8A, Jalan Sri Samantan Satu, Damansara Heights, Kuala Lumpur.

For details, call 03–2011 6388 or email to [e-mail] or.