Landmarks of Selangor: Indian Muslim Mosque

Masjid India Muslim in Klang (CNB 2013)

The Masjid India Muslim (Indian Muslim Mosque) at Jalan Tengku Kelana, Klang is just a stone's throw from the Sultan Suleiman Building. Its history dates back from 1904, when the site was awarded by Sultan Alaeddin Suleiman Shah to the mosque's founder, R. E. Mohamad Kassim.

An earlier timber building was replaced by a concrete and brick structure and officially opened in 1974. The present day four-storey building built in 2009 is to cater to the growth of the Indian Muslim community in Klang.

The sky was downcast by the time we approached the Masjid (on Saturday, 05/01/13), so I only took a photo while at the traffic light junction before we headed for home. I need to visit at a later time for a better look.

Ref: Landmarks of Selangor. Jugra Publications, 2003.

Landmarks of Selangor: Gedung Raja Abdullah

Entrance to Gedung Raja Abdullah (CNB 2013)

Gedung Raja Abdullah in Klang, is the oldest Malay building in Selangor. A departure from traditional all-timber construction, this building was built in 1856. Raja Abdullah, appointed by Sultan Mohamed as Chief  of Klang, built it as his house (first floor) and store (for tin, mining implements and supplies). It was modelled after his father's house in Lukut.

This half-brick half-timber structure has housed many tenants after Raja Abdullah left Klang in 1867 during the civil war fought against Raja Mahadi. The building was bought by the colonial government and used by the British Resident as his headquarters, the State Treasury, Survey, Land and Post Offices. In the 1880s the police took it over until 1974. In 1984 Badan Warisan Malaysia undertook conservation of Gedung Raja Abdullah and in 1985 it was re-opened as the State Museum's Muzium Timah.

Gedung Raja Abdullah (CNB 2013)

The first time I set eyes on this interesting building was four years ago and it was closed and looked sadly neglected then. Last Saturday (05/01/13) when we went there, it was still closed and still looked sadly neglected. (There was a proposal in 2006 to move the building brick by brick to another site near the Istana Alam Shah because the present site is 'traffic logged').

According to the current Perbadanan Adat Melayu & Warisan Negeri Selangor* brochure, this building is undergoing conservation and upgrading work.

* In 2009 this body took over the functions and responsibilities of the Lembaga Muzium Selangor (State Museum)
Ref: Landmarks of Selangor. Jugra Publications, 2003.

Landmarks of Selangor: Sultan Suleiman Mosque

Masjid Sultan Suleiman (CNB 2013)

Constructed in the year 1932, the Sultan Suleiman Mosque is sited just below the Istana Alam Shah. A and I stopped by to take some pictures, after visiting the Royal Gallery at the Sultan Suleiman Building on Saturday (05/01/13). We noted the unique egg yellow of its numerous domes.

The building's most beautiful interior is of  'Islamic, neogothic and Art Deco detailing'.

There is a model of this mosque in the Muzium Sultan Alam Shah and the architect is noted as a British, L. Keste Ven (i.e. Leofric Kesteven). The mosque can accomodate a congregation of 3,000.

Ref: Landmarks of Selangor. Jugra Publications, 2003.

Landmarks of Selangor: Sultan Suleiman Building

Bangunan Sultan Suleiman, Klang (CNB 2013)

On Saturday (05/01/13), A and I went to Klang, to the Sultan Suleiman Building which now houses the Galeri Diraja Sultan Abdul Aziz (The Royal Gallery). This building was designed by architect A. B. Hubback, strictly in the Western classical style.

It was built in 1909/1910, for the Klang District Office's Land Office, the Town Board and Public Works Department. From 1973-75 it was the Police Contingent Building. After some conservation works by the Klang Town Council in 1987 and the last tenant (the Legal Department) moved out, the State Museum took over and set up the Royal Gallery.

The rather interesting and informative Royal Gallery gives visitors a glimpse of  'Selangor's unique rich royal heritage and legacy'. 'The Royal Collections consists of magnificent personal collections of artifacts and gifts covering the period of the reign of the late Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah. Included in the exhibition are replicas of Selangor's crown jewels'.

A & three Royal Gallery staff (CNB 2013)

At the South wing of the building (AB 2013)

Ref: Landmarks of Selangor. Jugra Publications, 2003 & The Royal Gallery pamphlet.

Puisi: Di Mana-Mana Kabut

                     ..... oleh Siti Zainon Ismail, 10 November 1974

Sekali sekala
dalam kerimasan ini
termimpikah,
pabila diri menjadi kabut
serta hujan renyai di pergunungan
helang yang lembut
     melayang
mencecahkan bulunya di permukaan tasik
begitu bening.
Kabut dari utara
tiada bayangan senja
ikan-ikan pun meliuk
mentertawakan umpan yang gelihati
ah! betapa bodohnya pengail
yang ngantuk di sampan tua
disuak-suaknya teratai padi
sekali-kali di lemparnya nasi

Hujan renyai-renyai
mari kita berangkat dari sini
kabut dan matari pagi
      telah berdamai
umat-Mu pun segar menyambut siang
Helang menguakkan sayapnya
menuju belantara. Hutan dipinggir kota
reranting rambutnya
      mengular senyum
kabut di musim rontok menjadi kekasih
menanti cinta di musim semi.

Dipetik dari 'Nyanyian Malam (Kumpulan Puisi dan Sketsa 1972-1975) Siti Zainon Ismail', Galeri Melora, 2004
Ex Libris CNB 1403

Books I Love: Landmarks of Selangor

When I first moved to Shah Alam, I immediately bought this book which, as the title says, is all about the landmarks of Selangor. There is nothing better than a book to introduce one to a place one has chosen to call home (so I say!).

This book consists of beautiful water colour paintings of more than 40 buildings by artist Chin Kon Yit, with architectural notes by architect/conservationist Chen Voon Fee, and historical introduction by John M. Gullick. It has been published to mark the coronation of HRH Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, Sultan of Selangor, in 2003.

The significant landmarks covered gives us a glimpse of the history of Selangor from the 18th century onwards. They are:
Kota Melawati 1766 (& Altingsburg Lighthouse 1907); Gedung Raja Abdullah 1856; Batu Caves - temples 1880s; Masjid Sultan Alaeddin Suleiman Shah 1890s; Makam Al-Marhum Sultan Abdul Samad 1898 (& Makam Raja Muda Musa 1884); Istana Bandar 1899.

Kuil Sri Subramania Swamy 1900s; Kwan Imm Teng 1909-11; Bangunan Sultan Suleiman 1910; Former Standard Chartered Bank Early 20th century; Bangunan/Bungalow Sultan Suleiman 1920s; Hatter's Castle 1923; The Gap Resthouse Early 1920s; Church of Our Lady of Lourdes 1928; Sekolah Menengah Convent 1928; Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Tinggi 1928; Shophouses at Kuala Kubu Bharu 1920s & 1930s; Universiti Putra Malaysia 1930; Masjid Sultan Suleiman 1932; Kolej Islam Sultan Alam Shah 1930s; Maison des Palmes Rebuilt 1940s; Petaling Jaya houses 1940-50s.

Istana Alam Shah 1960; Wat Thai Buddhist Chetawan 1963; Makam Diraja Kota Melawati Early 1970s; Masjid India Muslim 1974; Kota Darul Ehsan 1975; Istana Bukit Kayangan 1977; The State Memorial 1981; Tugu Keris 1985; Masjid Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah 1988; Cash Centre, Bank Negara Malaysia, Shah Alam 1988; Muzium Sultan Alam Shah 1988; Rimbun Dahan 1989-97; Titian Canopy Walkway 1992;  Menara Mesiniaga 1992; Rudinara 1992; Shah Alam Stadium & Malawati Stadium 1994-7; The Royal Selangor Yacht Club 1995; D'hulimiti, Boh Plantation Bungalow late 1990s; Kuala Lumpur International Airport 1998 & Sepang F1 Circuit 1999.

This book would serve as a useful reference to exploring our own backyard in Selangor. I have seen or been to some of these landmarks (italicised), and there are still some more to check out. I hope to be able to trace these landmarks and post entries as a record of my "jalan-jalan cari mercutanda Selangor".

*Update 2013/2014 - Landmarks visited in red. New landmarks will also be added under the 'Landmarks of Selangor' label.
Ex Libris CNB 1700

Happy New Year 2013

A very happy new year 2013 to all family, friends and the world. May the Gregorian new year bring mostly peace and happiness in all our lives. May all new year resolutions be achievable dreams.