COMMENT | The fate of the iconic Vivekananda Ashram in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, hangs on a precarious balance.

Despite its designation as a national heritage site in 2016, following a concerted campaign by civil society and concerned citizens, the Ashram has now been rezoned as “main commercial” under the latest Kuala Lumpur Local Plan 2040.

Property developers have long eyed the site. Have they been given fresh hope?

This rezoning poses a direct threat to one of the city’s most important spiritual and cultural landmarks.