The site where the palace is located was gazetted for such purpose in 1976, and numerous contractors were involved in the initial planning. The need for a new palace, according to the Works Minister
Samy Vellu, had been pressing due to space constraints in the old palace. The
Balai Rong Seri (throne room) of the old palace was also used as the dining and meeting rooms. The site of the new palace is 96.52 hectares and situated on a hill, of which according to
Malaysian Public Works Department (JKR) director-general Dato' Sri Dr Amer Hamzah Mohd Yunus, only 28 hectares would be used for the development of the palace complex while the rest was allocated as a forest reserve and a buffer zone for safety purposes. Construction began in November 2007 and cost
RM812 million. The complex was headed by the 12th
Yang di-Pertuan Agong,
Sirajuddin of Perlis, serving the mandate trusted upon him by The Malay Rulers Council to overlook the affairs and activities of the palace's construction. Sirajuddin had also officiated the palace's new official site on 13 November 2006. The complex incorporates Islamic and Malay architectural elements, following designs by architect firm Kumpulan Seni Reka Sdn Bhd and was built by construction firm Maya Maju Sdn Bhd. The palace complex was slated for completion in 2009 but was only completed in September 2011. Among the unique features of the Istana Negara is its 22 domes. The two biggest domes are designed in the form of neatly layered beetle leaves. At night falls, the rays of the decorative lights that illuminate the domes produce an impact to its surrounding. The colour of the lights will change according to the functions held at the palace and can clearly be seen from afar. == Palace areas ==