KUALA LUMPUR, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia is expected to announce 50 historical buildings as its national heritage in conjunction with the celebration of its 50th anniversary of independence, local reports said here on Monday.

    The buildings were chosen on the basis of their importance to the nation's history and the role they played in their era, including the Sultan Abdul Samad, Malaysia's national news agency Bernama said.

    Malaysian Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Rais Yatim has also told the parliament that the country would introduce a national heritage registration system, according to Bernama.

    The country would also launch some activities to arouse the public's awareness on national heritage, it added.

    Currently, two Malaysian cities, Pinang and Malacca, are continuing their efforts to apply for the world cultural heritage, despite setbacks in the previous years.