History of Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur, commonly referred to nowadays as KL, was first settled in 1857, when miners in search of tin arrived. Despite many of the first settlers perishing from malaria and other tropical diseases, the town grew quickly and prospered from the tin discovered in Ampang.

Mining prosperity

By the 1880s, the city was flourishing and the central government was transferred from Klang to KL. Some of the rich architecture from this period, including wealthy miners’ houses, can still be seen today lining the Jl Ampang. However, the prosperity of the city underwent some massive hurdles, including virtual destruction by fire and flood in 1881.  Despite their impact however, they failed to hinder the growth and development of KL.

Population boom

The introduction of the 1886 rail line between KL and Klang made travel and transport of goods easier and by the following year, there was a surge in population and the construction of brick buildings, many of which are still in use today.

Independence

During WWII, the city was occupied by Japanese forces and because of this, the Chinese and Indian population suffered greatly. The post-war period saw the return of the British for a brief time (who had previously colonised the peninsula in the 1870s), until independence was finally gained in 1957, marking the end of colonialism in Malaysia. Independence was declared in Merdeka Square, which is still a central meeting point in the city.

Modern-day KL

As the most populated city in Malaysia, the capital is the country’s main hub of commerce and politics, and today it enjoys a wonderfully multicultural atmosphere, with the city being inhabited by many ethnicities. Its architecture offers a striking combination of colonial buildings alongside modern glass skyscrapers, with the Petronas Towers being the most iconic.