KUALA TERENGGANU – The iconic ‘Allah Peliharakanlah Terengganu’ landmark located on Bukit Besar will soon be reconstructed, with the total estimated cost reaching RM5 million.
Terengganu Infrastructure, Utilities and Rural Development executive councillor Datuk Hanafiah Mat said that the demolition of the original structure was completed by the Public Works Department (JKR) on May 13 at a cost of RM250,000.
“So far, the State Economic Planning Unit (UPEN) has approved the proposed new design.
“The overall project is expected to cost RM4.75 million, including the demolition works, bringing the total to approximately RM5 million,” he said during the Terengganu State Legislative Assembly sitting at Wisma Darul Iman on Monday.
He was responding to a question from Hilmi Harun (Pas–Manir) regarding the status and cost of the landmark’s restoration.
According to Hanafiah, the original landmark was built in 1991 by the Terengganu State JKR at an estimated cost of RM1.3 million, using a steel frame structure.
“The structure has now exceeded its intended design lifespan of over 30 years and has not undergone regular structural maintenance.
“It has also been severely affected by corrosion due to constant exposure to sea air, as it is situated on an open hilltop,” he said.
He added that, to date, the state government has spent around RM1.57 million on the maintenance of the landmark since its construction.
“Although upgrades to the lighting system and electrical maintenance were previously carried out by the State JKR’s Electrical Engineering Division, these works had to be halted as the platform structure was no longer safe for regular maintenance.
“This condition posed not only a risk to the structure itself but also endangered the maintenance personnel,” he said.