HISTORY OF CENTRAL MARKET KUALA LUMPUR
The history of Central Market Kuala Lumpur goes back to 1888 the location it now stands upon was then used for an open wet market. When the market continued to expand, a permanent structure was built to house all the vendors. By the 1930s the structure was further improvised to the current façade. Towards the end of the 1970s, the Malaysian Heritage Society decided to preserve the building under its heritage programme. Through an allocation of RM9 million granted by the Federal Government, the building underwent another facelift and was transformed into a centre for Malaysian culture, arts and handicraft. The façade has remained unaltered to retain the charm of yesteryears.On 15th April 1986, Melewar Leisure Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Kumpulan Melewar Berhad took over the ownership of the building and used it to promote Malaysian culture through the sales of local art and craft products.
Map of Kuala Lumpur during the Yap Ah Loy era around the 1880s.The Old Market was initially built by Yap Ah Loy. The British government eventually took over the market and extended it to 250 feet long and 90 feet wide. At the same time, the floor was laid with concrete tiles, the walls were clad with timber and the roof covered with zinc sheets.
Map of Kuala Lumpur drawn by Draftman W.T.Wood, from the Land Office, Kuala Lumpur (1885-1895) and endorsed by the British Government.The Map shows the location of the Central Market which is actually south of the old market.
Postcard of Central Market Kuala Lumpur FMS (Federation of Malay States) Aerial View of Kuala Lumpur 1937.In 1936, Kuala Lumpur Sanitary Board invented Tenders for the construction of the Central Market. Messrs T.Y Lee was appointed the Architect and Designer whilst Mr. R.H Steed was the Town Engineer. 21 contractors bid for the project which was eventually awarded to contractor Brizary & Co. from Singapore for a contract sum of $249,000.00.However, the original cost escalated to $330,000.00 in view of the additional deco works which eventually saw the size of Central Market measuring 123.7 meters long, 60.8 meters wide and 7.9 meters high, all cladded with “Calorex” glass to minimize the entry of too much sunlight.The Central Market was able to house 3 cold rooms to keep frozen meat, 170 vegetables and fruit stalls, 158 fish stalls, 36 beef stalls, 27 pork stalls and 20 poultry stalls.
A view of Central Market interior in 1946.In the 1970s, th ere were plans to demolish the Central Market as well as the shops surrounding the market. Fortunately the Malaysia Heritage Society petitioned against the demolition of the Central market so as the preserve history and the building was then classified as a Heritage building.A proper development company, Bumi Harta Sdn. Bhd. Appointed architect William Lim Associates and Chen Voon Fee to receive and redesign the Central Market wet market into Centre for Arts and Culture. Melawar Leisure Sdn. Bhd. was given the management of Central Market which was officially opened on the 15th April 1986. The Central Market was set to become a Central promoting Malaysian Arts and Handicrafts products reflecting the Malaysian Culture and show case events of Cultural and Heritage values to attract both foreign tourists and local visitors. In the year 2004, the management to Central Market changed hands and a new organization proceeded to upgrade the premises adding more features to expound the Malaysian Culture.
A view from the river back of the Central Market after it’s conversion from a wet
market to a Centre of Culture, Arts and Handicrafts.Notice on the official Launch of the Central Market by Datin Paduka Rahidah Abdul Aziz, Minister of Public Enterprise on the 15th April 1986.Since the 15th April 2004 the Central Market was taken over by a new organization called Central Market Sdn. Bhd. headed by My Bernard Bong Yam Keng. Central Market Sdn. Bhd. (formerly known as Prestige Debut Sdn. Bhd.) was incorporated on the 24th February 2004 with the aim to manage and operate Central Market to be recognized as a culture centre for Malaysian Arts, Handicrafts, Batik and to promote the Malaysian Culture and Heritage.The management Team’s aim is to manage and bring Central Market to be a World Class Tourist Destination through operational Management Excellence Programmes. In conjunction with the visit Malaysia Year 2007, the Central Market will undergo 2 phases of upgrading to enhance its role in the promotion of cultures, Arts and Handicrafts and Malaysia Batik.
Phase 1 - Jonker Street: To construct Malacca – styled stalls which will display and sell handicrafts and souvenirs. - Mangrove Good court: A food court imposing a theme of nature, depicity “bakau” from mangrove swamp and selling a wide spectrum of Malaysia food typical for every state throughout Malaysia. - Oldtown Kopitiam: An old fashioned classic coffee shop of the Malacca “Baba Nyonya” era serving local food.
Phase 2 - Lorong Melayu, Lorong India and the Straits Chinese Street: Streets reflecting the Multiethnicity of Malaysia displaying and selling traditional and Malaysian made products. - Batik Emporium: To create one of the biggest “Batik Emporium” in Kuala Lumpur to promote and sell Malaysian Batik and Batik Apparels.
- Arts Gallery: A gallery to showcase Malaysian talent as well as promote Malaysian Arts and Handicrafts - Lorong Melayu: Discover traditional Malay handicraft and souvenir. - Straits Chinese: Relish unique Chinese art and craft. - Discover cultural crafts in replicated Malaccan-styled stalls at Jonker Street.
- Enjoy cultural performances at Kasturi Walk. - Kids showcase Bhangra Dance moves at the Central Market Outdoor Stage.
- Visitors enjoying the celebration of Chinese new Year at the Central Market Kuala Lumpur walkway. - Central Market Kuala Lumpur's art-deco façade.
- Central Market Kuala Lumpur's interior. - Discover Indian souvenirs, accessories and beautiful henna hand art painting at the Little India street.
ABOUT CENTRAL MARKET KUALA LUMPUR
The Centre for Malaysian Culture, Heritage, Art & Craft
Central Market Kuala Lumpur began life as a wet market in 1888; built by Yap Ah Loy, the city’s Chinese Kapitan. It served as a prominent landmark in colonial and modern -day Kuala Lumpur. When it was relocated in the 1980s, the Malaysian Heritage Society successfully petitioned against the demolition of the building, and it was subsequently declared a centre for Malaysian arts, culture and handicraft. In 2004, the Kha Seng Group acquired this iconic building. Since its takeover, Central Market Kuala Lumpur and its accompanying Annexe have been transformed into an awardwinning tourist attraction and shopping destination, while preserving the significance in showcasing the nation’s arts, culture and heritage . The company invested RM10 million in extensive upgrading work without compromising the market’s unique charm and character. Many positive changes were introduced including the initiation of zoned shopping areas and the upgrading of stalls and kiosks; this resulted in over 100,000 square feet of retail space. The outdoor stage provides a venue for regular showcase of multi-cultural performances and celebrations.Strategically located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur and close to the public transportation hub, Central Market Kuala Lumpur is linked to major destinations and hotels. It is also located near the KL Sentral interchange station which provides fast and convenient connections to most parts of Kuala Lumpur as well as the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.Central Market Kuala Lumpur is today a major attraction for both tourists and Malaysians alike.
Central Market Annexe
The Central Market Annexe situated behind Central Market Kuala Lumpur houses several art galleries that serve to nurture a vital and progressive arts culture in Malaysia. It provides an avenue for people from all walks of life to congregate and experience the local arts scene. The various galleries collectively form a colourful platform for artists and audiences to come together in the shared adventure of art.
Kasturi Walk
In affirming its position as a world-class tourist destination, the Kasturi Walk at Central Market Kuala Lumpur opened in 2011. This outdoor and covered pedestrianised lane running alongside the main building is lined with kiosks and stalls, adding a vibrant a fresco ambience to the Central Market Kuala Lumpur shopping experience.
