Officially opened on 11 Nov 2012, the palace complex is divided into official, royal and administrative wings. The main floor is divided into the Official Wing and the Royal Wing. The lower floor houses the administrative office, kitchen, store and other support areas.

The palace has two large domes with the main one reaching 60 meters high. These domes are adorned with light bulbs designed in the outline of an overlapping betel leaf that will illuminate the night with different colours. The colour of the lights will be according to the type of formal events held that day.

A 40m-high dome above the main lobby in the palace is hung with the largest chandelier made in Malaysia. Eight large paintings, depicting the history of the country from the Malacca Sultanate to the current era, decorate the giant pillars supporting the main dome which is 60m high.

The Official wing houses, among others, the balairong seri, where the swearing-in of the King takes place, the audience and banquet halls. The Royal wing, comprising bedrooms and other facilities, are designed for use by the Agong (the King), his Queen and other members of the royal family.

The palace also comes equipped with a surau (prayer hall) to accommodate 1,000 people, a swimming pool, a security office, a visitors' square, an underground car park, a treatment room, a multi-purpose hall, a sports field, a helipad, and a horse stable.

Three Entrances
There are three entrances to Istana Negara, with the main one from Jalan Duta reserved for their Majesties, Malay Rulers and their consorts, governors and visiting heads of states and government.

This main entrance is where the palace guards from the first Malay Regiment and the horse-mounted guards are stationed.

The second entrance in Jalan Changkat Semantan is used by royal guests, and the third from Jalan Sri Hartamas, Mont Kiara, is the route for commoners seeking an audience with His Majesty or those who wish to meet Istana Negara's administration or to attend events at Istana Negara. The gates are covered in designs of the hibiscus (the national flower) and Islamic motifs.

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong (The King)
Malaysia is a constitutional monarchy with an elected monarch as head of state. The Yang di-Pertuan Agong is one of the few elected monarchs in the world. The 14th and current Yang di-Pertuan Agong is Sultan Abdul Halim of Kedah. His reign began on 13 December 2011 after his election by the Conference of Rulers.