End of Saloma Bistro?

Saloma Bistro at MaTiC

Questions have been raised over the fate of Saloma Bistro &Theater Restaurant at the Malaysia Tourism Centre (MaTiC) in Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur following plans to redevelop the area.

It is learnt the management was recently told their 15 year lease, awarded in 2002, will not be renewed in August.

The restaurant, with a staff strength of over 30, is no longer accepting reservations for events after Sept 1. It remains unclear if the restaurant will operate else where.

Saloma has been a venue for various national-level events and concerts, the most recent being the Ben Nathan Kasih dan Harapan concert.

The 82-year-old colonial building, located next to Saloma, and Dewan Tunku Abdul Rahman had their heritage status removed last December, barely six months after it was gazetted as "Warisan" on the National Heritage Register.

Badan Warisan Malaysia was among those critical of the move to revoke the heritage status.

In a statement earlier this year, the organisation said: "This site, which comprises Lots 45 and 139 (Section 58) and part of Lot 158 (Section 57) were gazetted (P.U. (B) 290) as "Warisan" on the National Heritage Register on June 16, 2016."

 Lot 139 is the largest plot of land there. — MaTiC

The Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) expressed “grave concern” over the matter.

But Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nazi Aziz said: "We will not touch MaTiC and Dewan Tunku Abdul Rahman due to its rich history."

MaTiC is synonymous for hosting events organised by the Tourism and Culture Ministry, the most recent being My Vaisakhi Fest 2017 on April 29.

Magna Prima Bhd, had in 2015, put up the land that once housed SKJ (C) Lai Meng, located opposite Saloma, for sale at RM3,500 per sq ft.