Istana Seri Menanti and the Pengkalan Kempas Historical Complex in Negeri Sembilan have been gazetted as National Heritage sites, while another 11 have been declared as heritage sites, by the National Heritage Department.

Negeri Sembilan Museum Board's acting director, Aziz Mohd. Gorip said the 11 sites were the former Seremban District Office and Survey Department building, former State Secretary Office building, SMK King George V (old block), Istana Ampang Tinggi, Kota Lukut (Port Dickson), Moyang Salleh tomb (Jelebu), Masjid Jamek Seremban, Masjid Tua Kampung Tengah/Masjid Tanjung Beringin (Seri Menanti, Kuala Pilah), SK Ampangan Seremban (old block), the Negeri Sembilan Malay House model, and the 'batu-batu hidup' or megaliths of Pengkalan Kempas.

"Heritage is something that is passed down from previous generations or remains of nature which must be preserved. Despite the rapid development in the state, conservation and preservation of heritage sites need to be sustained," he told Bernama yesterday.

"This responsibility must be shouldered together to teach our children to appreciate and love the heritage and treasures of their own state and cultivate a sense of pride," he said.

He hoped that all parties understood their responsibilities in conserving and protecting heritage to avoid them being damaged, destroyed or lost. -- Bernama