Showing posts with label Kuala Lumpur [Places of Interest]. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kuala Lumpur [Places of Interest]. Show all posts
'Hari Merdeka' aka Independence Day. If someone speaks about Merdeka, my mind went completely blank (well almost), and then I kept thinking. It seems to me I do have a faint recollection on the true meaning of Merdeka. OK, I think I remember some keywords from my Senior 5 History book - British Colonial Rule, Malaya and Tunku Abdul Rahman. My History teacher portrays the British as bad hat and enemy of the state. LOL! When you talk about Independence Day, the first thing that comes to mind is the 1996 alien invasion movie starring Bill Pullman and Will Smith.
Well, to be honest, I lost my 'Semangat Merdeka' (translation: Merdeka Spirit) the day I left senior high school. I remember vividly those days. Students were sucking up a daily dose of brainwashing. Endless Merdeka patriotic songs and LOVE ME, Malaysian speech. We shouted MERDEKA! MERDEKA! MERDEKA! every single day up to 31st August. I thought that was kind of silly. Kind of North Korea. I bet some of you'll be MAD at me...BIG TIME. "Hey you little prick!!!! You have no respect for your motherland. Kurang asam punya budak!"
This year, Malaysia celebrates her 53rd birthday. The theme is '1Malaysia Menjana Transformasi' (translation: 1Malaysia Transforming the Nation). I'm a SUPER NOOB on these finer details. Luckily I was inspired by my friend Lam Ching Fu. Everything changes (well almost). Our well travelled buddy (now in Curitiba, Brazil) has decided to commemorate Merdeka in his own special way. It is INSPIRATIONAL, ENLIGHTENING and HEART WARMING to see his LOVE for Malaysia. It has arouse my patriotic spirit! He puts me to shame...this ungrateful mylo. Read THIS and see what I mean.
There is nothing to lose but everything to gain. I TOO WANNA celebrate MERDEKA in my own CREATIVE way :) I decided to visit Tugu Negara aka National Monument to better understand the true meaning of Merdeka and FREEDOM. And I captured these photos. Selamat Hari Merdeka my comrades! If I have offended you, please accept my humble apologies. Saya menyusun 10 jari meminta maaf. Stay COOL and be COOL. Remember to check out Petronas 2010 Merdeka TVAds (TVA) at the bottom of this page.
Location: Tugu Negara aka National Monument, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Camera: Nikon D60 [46mm f/8.0 manual 100 ISO 1/250 sec]
This is my best shot of the day. The monument of freedom aka 'Tugu Negara' (translation: National Monument). A picture is worth a thousand words. I can only think of one word right now and that is "FREEDOM".
And because you protect us every day, we Malaysians owe you our sincerest gratitude, respect, support and comfort. Our warriors never die. Instead, they live forever in the hearts of the people whose lives they saved. We Malaysians owe it to our founding fathers to stay united.
According to Wikipedia, Tugu Negara is a sculpture that commemorates those who died in Malaysia's struggle for freedom, principally against the Japanese occupation during World War II and the Malayan Emergency, which lasted from 1948 until 1960. Is is the work of sculptor Felix de Weldon, who also did Washington’s Iwo Jima Monument and it is regarded as the largest bronze monument grouping in the world.
中文: 马来西亚独立日 English: Malaysia's Independence Day
Location: Tugu Negara aka National Monument, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Camera: Nikon D60 [55mm f/7.1 manual 200 ISO 1/160 sec]
The national flower of Malaysia is the five-petal Bunga Raya aka hibiscus. This orange colored flower caught my attention. The details in the petal veins blow me away.
According to allMalaysiainfo, bunga raya is found in abundance throughout the country, and for this very reason, was chosen to be the national flower (in 1960) by Malaysia's first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman. There are many varieties of the hibiscus, but the five-petaled Hibiscus rosa-sinensis was chosen above the others, as the most symbolically relevant. The five petals of the bunga raya symbolise the Rukunegara (the Five Principles of Nationhood), while the colour red represents courage.
中文: 马来西亚国花 美丽 English: Malaysia's national flower, beautiful
Location: Tugu Negara aka National Monument, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Camera: Nikon D60 [30mm f/5.0 manual 200 ISO 1/160 sec]
The National Emblem and Coat of Arms of Malaysia (Jata Negara in Malay) is a coat of arms comprising a shield or escutcheon, two tigers for supporters, a crescent and fourteen point star for a crest and a motto.
The motto of the arms, located below the shield, consists of a banner with the phrase "Unity is Strength" (Malay: Bersekutu Bertambah Mutu). We must take care of our unity. UNITY is a complex and deep-lying issue in Malaysia. Agence France Presse (AFP) published an article - "Malaysia's Races Live Peacefully - But Separately". It was dated 2005. How far have we come and where do we go from here? You tell me.
Location: Tugu Negara aka National Monument, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Camera: Nikon D60 [55mm f/7.1 manual 100 ISO 1/200 sec]
It was an amazing experience standing right next to Tugu Negara - one of the largest grouping bronze statue in the world.
Amazing feat, but not without controversy. According to TheSun, after years of hosting the Warrior's Day celebrations, the National Monument has now been declared as an "unsuitable" venue by the National Fatwa Council.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Jamil Khir Baharom said the venue was found unsuitable by the council as the monument was in the form of human statues.
中文: 保护我们的国家 English: Protect our nation
Location: Tugu Negara aka National Monument, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Camera: Nikon D60 [20mm f/7.1 manual 100 ISO 1/200 sec]
I ♥ PEACE. Do you? Compared to the rest of the world Malaysia is a peaceful country. Our motherland is not exposed to natural disasters on a daily basis and we don't live in war zones. Yes we should be thankful for these blessings.
I'm waiting for the day when more open minded Malaysians who will champion freedom of thought, rational thinking and who value highly the dignity of fellow humans.
中文: 我们都是一家人 English: We are one family
Location: Tugu Negara aka National Monument, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Camera: Nikon D60 [40mm f/8.0 manual 100 ISO 1/250 sec]
According to Wikipedia, the original national monument was not the one in the form of human figures but was a cenotaph that was situated in the middle of a roundabout. The British administration set up the first monument, a 10m flat grass-covered ground to commemorate the wars and honour the fallen heroes from World War I, World War II and the Malayan Emergency.
中文: 在纪念 谢谢英雄 English: In memorial, thank you, heroes
Location: Tugu Negara aka National Monument, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Camera: Nikon D60 [22mm f/6.3 manual 100 ISO 1/160 sec]
This is part of the white circular walls surrounding the National Monument - with X-shaped concrete blocks and star buttons. I would like to call it "Wall of Fame".
Location: Tugu Negara aka National Monument, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Camera: Nikon D60 [35mm f/6.3 manual 100 ISO 1/160 sec]
A simple memorial park located at the far end of Kuala Lumpur Lake Garden.
My Conclusion: We may have our differences in race, religion and politics, but we must find a common cause by which we become more socially united as one. Well it is easier said than done. Time alone will tell. In the meantime, we just got to hold it together. Happy Merdeka to all my readers. 独立日快乐!
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Last updated August 28th 2010 (10:36 p.m.)
Hari Merdeka 2010 Parade - Directions, Getting There & Maps:
The Bukit Jalil Putra Stadium will host the 2010 Merdeka Parade for the first time, with only a military parade with the addition of a human graphic display by members of Soka Gakkai Malaysia on the Stadium stands, the first time it was done here since the 1998 Commonwealth Games.
By LRT Station:
From KL Sentral station, take the Ampang Line LRT to Bukit Jalil LRT station.
By Car:
From the KL-Seremban Highway, turn into the MRR2 interchange and head towards the KESAS Highway. Exit at the Sri Petaling (Endah Parade) junction and turn left.
Note: Walking directions from Bukit Jalil LRT Station to Bukit Jalil Putra Stadium. Click on the thumbnail to load a larger version of the map.
Hari Merdeka 2010 Parade - Google Maps:
Hari Merdeka 2010 - Petronas Merdeka TVADS:
I'm a strong believer in giving unity a chance. Do you still remember this phrase? "Our children are colour blind. Shouldn't we keep them that way?" Or perhaps Tan Hong Ming in love? This multi-award winning ads (including Cannes Lions Gold in the film category) was directed by former executive creative director at Leo Burnett, Allahyarham Yasmin Ahmad.
To Allahyarham Yasmin: Thanks for making humanity cool again.
Hari Merdeka aka Independence Day - Quick Facts:
- Hari Merdeka (Independence Day) is a national day of Malaysia commemorating the independence of the Federation of Malaya from British colonial rule, celebrated on August 31
- The effort for independence was spearheaded by Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, the first Prime Minister of Malaysia, who led a delegation of ministers and political leaders of Malaya in negotiations with the British in London for Merdeka, or independence along with the first president of the Malayan Chinese Association (MCA) Tun Dato Sir Tan Cheng Lock and fifth President of Malaysian Indian Congress Tun V.T. Sambanthan.
- Once it became increasingly clear that the Communist threat posed during the Malayan Emergency was petering out, agreement was reached on February 8, 1956, for Malaya to gain independence from the British Empire.
- The Federation of Malaysia, comprising the States of Malaya, North Borneo (later renamed Sabah), Sarawak and Singapore was to be officially declared on the date August 31, 1963, on the 6th anniversary of Malayan independence.
Hari Merdeka aka Independence Day - Read More/Useful Links:
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hari_Merdeka (All about Hari Merdeka)
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hari_Merdeka_Parade (All about Merdeka Parade)
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tugu_Negara (All about Tugu Negara)
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emblem_of_Malaysia (All about Jata Negara)
Please take a look at the following quick viewing instructions:
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- Select and click the full screen link on the top navigation tab.
- To enlarge the page view automatically, click on the Zoom In button.
- Note: This newspaper contains some fictional elements.
- If you receive an error message, please refresh/reload the page.
I've been scratching my head thinking of what type of layout or design to finish my Pudu Jail article. I wanted to do something special and different. Finally, I got my EUREKA moment when I stumbled upon some news articles shared in Pudu Jail Official Facebook. This is it! Pudu Jail: The End Game from The Pudu Times.
That's all folks! Get CREATIVE, have FUN, learn something NEW!
Pudu Jail, The End - Slideshow
Here are the remaining photos that I have from my Pudu Jail collection, which of course includes some of my very favorites pictures!
Last updated July 15, 2010 (7:21 p.m.)
Great news! A Malaysian Photo and Travel Blog is now accessible on the ever-popular social networking site, Facebook.com! If you are on Facebook, I would love it if you would become a fan of my official page.
Hi all! This is my second article in a three-part series. Click HERE to return to my first article. The story doesn't end there. There are few more interesting things I would like to share with all of you. It continues as follows. At first, I attempts to determine the size of the place by walking along the outer perimeter. Well, Pudu Jail a.k.a Pudu Prison is not so big after all. The main entrance to the prison is marked by two large wooden arched gates. But the gates were locked and shut permanently. Sigh...what a letdown!
Earlier, I saw a secret side entrance. So I walked all the way to the back of the prison...AGAIN! A red colored No Entry signboard was erected in front of the entrance.
I want to explore the prison so bad! So I took out my camera and was pretending to be a reporter. A site supervisor noticed my presence. He looked at me, smiled and asked, "Are you a reporter?" I nodded my head confidently. He asked me to contact high-ranking officials at the side entrance to request permission to enter. If they turned me down flat, I can refer to him again for backdoor entrance into Pudu Jail. OH YEAH!
I took a deep breath and tried to refocus my thoughts before I braved myself for a friendly chat with this group of 'pegawai besar' (translation: high-ranking officials). I'd rather dropped the pretend tough act and just be myself. I definitely had the most heart stopping and nerve-wrecking experiences in my life. Luckily, a group of journalists and reporter joined our conversation. PHEW, what a relief! Saved by the bell :)
At one point, we're getting nowhere. The Chinese reporter from TV3 was digging for old stories. I'm getting so impatient!!! 'Tak boleh tahanlah! (OK, I cannot stand it anymore!). I interjected into the conversation with multiple "yeah"s and "uh huh"s. LOL! I don't know how to not make that sound so rude. I wanna go inside...NOW! I asked them:
Malay: "Encik, saya nak masuk penjara untuk tangkap gambar"
(Translation: Sir, I need to enter the prison to get some shots")
The man stands dumbfounded as well as sour for a moment. I kept looking back at them and asked the same question. He finally relented and let us in. Halfway, another guy stopped me and asked:
Malay: "You tak takut ke? Hantu? Jembelang?"
(Translation:"Aren't you afraid of ghosts and all these dead prisoners? ")
I shook my head in disbelief that these people still believe in ghosts and spirits. I'm not at all surprised to hear all kinds of crazy things like that. It appears the spooky stories have been circulating for quite a while in the net and local dailies. According to former prison warders and guards, Pudu Jail was regarded as one of the 'dirtiest' place in Malaysia. Recently, TheStar paper published two full articles about close encounter with spirits, ghosts and headless woman. Here are some interesting news snippets.
Close encounter with spirits and a headless woman
“Once, a police officer was interviewing prisoners and it was getting late. However, he said that he could interview one more, and I went down to bring another one.
“As he was filling in some forms he saw a figure sitting down. Thinking it was another prisoner he looked up, only to see a headless woman with blood flowing down her chest. The officer ran down the stairs as fast as he could,” he says.
Aziz believes Pudu Prison is a very “dirty” place and in some places is a giant graveyard. Source: TheStar (27th June 2010)
Executioner tells of eerie goings on
He has his own scary tale to tell, involving Mohd Affandi Abdul Rahman, who along with his bomoh wife Mona Fandey, had been sentenced to death for the murder of Batu Talam state assemblyman Datuk Mazlan Idris.
Affandi, he says, had asked him to bring him a rose bud.
“When I eventually did, Affandi put it on his palm and recited a few words. And the rosebud flew round and round,” he claimed.
“I know it’s unbelievable but I saw it.” Source: TheStar (27th June 2010)
I guess if you wanna hear more ghost stories, go talk to the old security. That said, I've had my share of scary moments. When I explore the first and second floor, I heard metal doors clanking and shutting all by itself. In many areas of the old blocks, I hear a few dragging footsteps lingering. I was truly startled, because I was wearing soft sole shoes!
I can only stood innocently in the prison trying not to look suspicious. Luckily, the excitement and euphoria overcome my unfounded fears. I told myself this was normal and there's no such thing as ghosts and wandering spirits. It's all in my head...imagination run amok. Anyway, there's something mystical about the unknown, something fun about imagining encounters with the supernatural :)
Exploring the entire prison complex is no simple task. There is no clear signage to indicate your current position. At times, I felt extremely lost, alone and out of my depth. This place is like a maze...a confusing and frustrating one.
By 1:30 p.m. I was tired, thirsty and mentally exhausted. I wanted to call it a day and walked back to the side entrance. But I was shocked to see the gates were locked and chained from the outside. OMG! How do I break free from this prison? Is this a JOKE??? If that's the case, that's not funny, it's DUMB! I got a little panicky when I realized I had been trapped in the prison...ALONE!
I looked at the time again. It's 1:35 p.m. Um...perhaps it's lunch time. LOL! Oh well, I regained my composure and explored the remaining areas (including cafeteria, the defunct Hang Tuah police station and mosque).
Finally, the gates were reopened by 2 p.m. sharp. A Bangladeshi foreman signaled to me and asked me to leave. LOL! I chatted with some workers before walking back to reality. What an experience! I guess you had to be there to understand my mixed bag of feelings. Stay tuned for Part 3 (The conclusion)
In the cell
Location: First floor - Unknown block, Pudu Jail, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: 21st June 2010 (Monday), 12:00 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/3.5, ISO Equiv.: 1600
I purposely closed the wooden door to experience life behind bar....momentarily. It's spacious (for one person) but I felt a tremendous and overpowering feeling of restlessness. Being there, it's claustrophobic.
People often say that the inmates live better than homeless people. That's so untrue! I've done a fair bit of research on the subject and discovered that inmates were packed like sardines. During the 1980s, each cell could fit up to ten people. Imagine that!
Dark, eerie and creepy
Location: First floor - Unknown block, Pudu Jail, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: 21st June 2010 (Monday), 12:45 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/3.8, ISO Equiv.: 1400
This picture was taken shortly after my close encounters with some strange things. Faint footsteps and sudden clank along Dead Man's Walk. I remember taking this picture so vividly like it was yesterday. I must say, looking back, it's kind of creepy.
The defunct police station in Pudu Jail
Location: Hang Tuah Police Station, Pudu Jail, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: 21st June 2010 (Monday), 1:14 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/4.5, ISO Equiv.: 200
Recently (before the demolition), a section of the prison building is used as the Jalan Hang Tuah police station and also a temporary drug addict hold up centre.
I climbed up the broken wooden stairs to reach the defunct Hang Tuah Police Station. This building is old, musty and smelly. Did you notice the wooden table? Guess what I've found on the table? The answer is below :)
Time stopped on November 1996
Location: Hang Tuah Police Station, Pudu Jail, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: 21st June 2010 (Monday), 1:18 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/4.8, ISO Equiv.: 200
This is very interesting! I stumbled upon an outdated calendar (on the wooden table) while searching for angles and photo opportunities.
Abandoned and ransacked
Location: Hang Tuah Police Station, Pudu Jail, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: 21st June 2010 (Monday), 1:09 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/4.0, ISO Equiv.: 200
Looks like a perfect set for disaster movie. A potent combination of 'earthquake', 'fire' and 'riot'.
Peeling, chipping and falling
Location: Hang Tuah Police Station, Pudu Jail, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: 21st June 2010 (Monday), 1:18 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/4.5, ISO Equiv.: 200
Imagine walking into this prison past midnight, alone, in the fog and seeing THIS in your flashlight beam. Oooh...SCARY!
Walking through the prison is like walking through history. It never fails to amaze me. I enjoyed every minute of it!
Gigantic lock
Location: Main entrance - behind the walls, Pudu Jail, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: 21st June 2010 (Monday), 1:22 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 200
This gate separates the prison cells from Hang Tuah Police Station.
The gigantic teardrop lock is old but still in good working order. Pull handle up and turn counter-clockwise to unlock. To lock, rotate arm/handle clockwise. Easy peasy lemon squeezy!
Prayers of comfort and hope
Location: Unknown block, Pudu Jail, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: 21st June 2010 (Monday), 12:45 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/3.5, ISO Equiv.: 1600
The range of art work on display on the prison walls is awesome - religious, classic nudity, sex, violence and desire for freedom. I'll be adding a lot more similar photos in my third post.
Ghost Rider
Location: Unknown cell & block, Pudu Jail, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: 21st June 2010 (Monday), 12:09 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.0, ISO Equiv.: 1600
Can someone translate this for me?
Updates: The Chinese writing on the wall says "A hope should be there when it comes to the worst, can't go/turn back this time." Micki, thanks for the wonderful translation!
First aid kit
Location: Ground floor - Unknown block, Pudu Jail, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: 21st June 2010 (Monday), 12:19 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/3.5, ISO Equiv.: 1000
An empty first aid kit.
Leftover pills
Location: Ground floor - Unknown block, Pudu Jail, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: 21st June 2010 (Monday), 12:21 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 200
I should have kept these pills - prison memorabilia. 'Collectables' that could be worth a fortune one day :) Christie's LELONG! LELONG! (translation: auction)
Special attention
Location: Ground floor - Unknown block, Pudu Jail, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: 21st June 2010 (Monday), 11:10 a.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.0, ISO Equiv.: 640
Translation: Special attention: Sick inmates - out of normal treatment hours, please queue up here.
Hanged by the neck until dead!
Location: Behind the walls, Pudu Jail, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: 21st June 2010 (Monday), 1:04 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/8.0, ISO Equiv.: 1000
This graffiti is a grim reminder of hanging, the traditional way of capital punishment in Malaysia. According to Wikipedia, capital punishment in Malaysia applies to murder, drug trafficking, treason, and waging war against Yang di-Pertuan Agong (the King). Recently, the law has been extended to include acts of terrorism. Any terrorists, and anyone who aids terrorists, financially or otherwise, are liable to face the death penalty.
Between 1970 and 2001, Malaysia executed 359 people. As of 2006, 159 people remain on the death row.
Well, I don't believe in capital punishment, morally or legally. The deed is done, and taking another life cannot change it. Also I HATE to see caning as a form of corporal punishment. The following research will help you understand more about judicial corporal punishment in Malaysia. (CAUTION - CONTAINS GRAPHIC IMAGES!). You should not view it if you are upset by such things. Click HERE for World Corporal Punishment Research, Malaysia.
Last updated 4th July 2010 (6:05 p.m.)
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Pudu Jail - Directions, Getting There & Maps:
The prison is just minutes away from Hang Tuah LRT station and Berjaya Times Square shopping centre.
Walking directions from Hang Tuah Monorial Station to Pudu Jail.
This is a thumbnail screenshot. Click link (Map 1) to download the map.
Note: File is hosted in MediaFire
Pudu Jail - Google Maps:
Demolition of Pudu Jail - YouTube Videos:
Pudu Jail - Read More & Useful Links:
- http://tinyurl.com/33oaftw (5 Most Infamous Pudu Jail Inmates)
- http://tinyurl.com/387j9qc (Prison holds fond memories, TheStar)
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pudu_Prison (Wikipedia article about Pudu Jail)
- http://tinyurl.com/ydoa4l9 (Pudu Jail Conservation Statement by University of Bath)
- http://tinyurl.com/2damagb (Pudu Jail, do you remember? Official Facebook page)
- http://tinyurl.com/2522kwl (Press Statement from Heritage of Malaysia Trust)
- http://tinyurl.com/29e67b3 (Mega development plan proposed for Pudu Prison land, TheStar)
- http://tinyurl.com/28fj8gg (National Heritage Act 2005, Malaysia)
- http://tinyurl.com/2g3v5sn (Close encounter with spirits and a headless woman, TheStar)
- http://tinyurl.com/2d2w79b (Executioner tells of eerie goings on, TheStar)
All this time, I've known about the impending demolition of Pudu Jail a.k.a Pudu Prison. News reports and stories have been circulating around the world wide web since early 2008. Politicians and social activists were counting on National Heritage Act 2005 to protect and preserve this 115 years old prison (built 1895). They have strongly condemned plans to demolish the prison as an attempt to erase its infamous past. On the other hand, modernists wanted the demolition to proceed as scheduled to make way for urban development.
You might ask ,"What do you think ?" "To demolish or not to demolish" Before I answer the question, let's take a look at some facts and figures below that I've compiled for you:
- Pudu Jail was built in 1895 by the British Colonial Administration for RM138, 000 with materials brought in from India and Britain.
- First Governor is Lt-Col J.A.B Ellen.
- It was called Pudoh Gaol at one point.
- Originally contained 240 cells on the three floors to hold 900 convicts.
- Held 6, 550 convicts in 1985, the most numbers in its lifespan. Convict sleeps in shift during this time.
- Pudu Jail's unique X-shaped main building hid behind a 384 m wall that prominently featured a mural, on display along Jalan Pudu. Click HERE to see an aerial view of the prison.
- Former inmate Khong Yen Chong drew the world's longest mural on its outer walls (384 m long and 4.5 m high) - an entry in the Guinness Book of Records.
- It was closed on Nov 1, 1996. 1, 585 of the last inmates moved to Sungai Buloh prison. Briefly reopened as a tourist attraction in 1997. Closed again and reopened later to housed drug addicts and HINDRAF supporters.
- Pudu Prison once housed the Top 5 Most Infamous Inmates : 1) Mona Fandey (Head chopper - hang on 2 November 2001) 2) Botak Chin a.k.a Wong Swee Chin (Underworld Taiko - hung to death on 11 June 1981) 3) Barlow & Chambers (Aussie drug traffickers - hung at the gallows on 7 July 1986) 4) Jimmy Chua a.k.a Chua Chap Seng (Police murderer and hostage taker - hung on 10 October 1989) 5) HINDRAF (The 8 Supporters - incarcerated and released)
Pudu Jail sits smack in the middle of Kuala Lumpur (KL) Golden Triangle (main shopping and nightlife district). I'm a frequent driver on the same road - Jalan Pudu and Bukit Bintang. I HATE to admit it, but the traffic jam right in front of the jail is INSANE! That, coupled with a combination of crazy drivers, macho stupidity, zero regard for the rules or for human life, are really FRUSTRATING. We need a SOLUTION!
According to Urban Development Authority (UDA), the demolition of the jail will make way for the road expansion of Jalan Galloway and Jalan Pudu, as well as a new underpass at Jalan Pudu. Honestly, I'm looking forward to this day - smooth and stress-free drive. Nonetheless, I'm hoping UDA will retains the front wall and gates for posterity.
One June 21st 2010 (demolition day), I've spent more than four hours exploring the prison cells (from Block A to D). I wanted to pay my last respects before the walls come tumbling down. People were talking about restless spirits and wondering ghosts trapped in the undead prison. Well, I thought it was funny because I don't believe in ghosts and spirits. Positive affirmations can help a lot in making myself mentally strong, thus making it an easy experience :)
I was walking non-stop; tired and at times confused. But worth every minute! It was one of the most unforgettable, unusual, awkward and interesting trip I've ever done. As I was exiting the prison, some developers and site contractors stopped me and asked the same question:
"Ada nampak hantu?"
(Translation: "Have you seen a spirit or ghost?")
A big NO. Then, a Malay guy interjected.
"Biasanya, orang Islam sembahyang dulu sebelum masuk"
(Translation: "Usually, Muslim prays first before entering the prison").
Um...that's interesting.
To be continued... Stay tuned for Part 2 as I'll be sharing some scary moments in the dark chambers. Coming soon! Exclusive pictures NEVER been seen before!
Long walk to freedom
Location: 1st Floor - Unknown block, Pudu Jail, KL, Malaysia
Date: 21st June 2010 (Monday), 12:15 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.0, ISO Equiv.: 200
Pudu Jail's corridors are barren of foot traffic, eerily quiet except for the occasional mysterious clang of metal doors shutting. This picture reminds me of Nelson Mandela's Long Walk To Freedom.
There is no escape
Location: Ground Floor - Unknown block, Pudu Jail, KL, Malaysia
Date: 21st June 2010 (Monday), 11:45 a.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/3.8, ISO Equiv.: 1600
Barbed wire entanglements and iron bars were placed at strategic locations to prevent escape of the prisoners. I've seen and touched fences with extreme sharp razor wire, a variant which instead of occasional barbs features near-continuous cutting surfaces sufficient to injure inmate who climb on it.
To be demolished
Location: 1st Floor - Unknown block, Pudu Jail, KL, Malaysia
Date: 21st June 2010 (Monday), 12:14 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 100
This is the interior prison walls, all marked by sheets of peeling paint, leaks and musty smell.
Historic, abandoned prison
Location: The field, Pudu Jail, KL, Malaysia
Date: 21st June 2010 (Monday), 11:04 a.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/8.0, ISO Equiv.: 100
An abandoned prison complex overgrown with weeds, grass and trees.
Prison break? Think again!
Location: The Green Mile, Pudu Jail, KL, Malaysia
Date: 21st June 2010 (Monday), 11:33 a.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 180
The facility is surrounded by fences with rolls of barbed and razor wire on the side and top of the outside fence to deter escape attempts.
1895: Remember this date
Location: The Green Mile, Pudu Jail, KL, Malaysia
Date: 21st June 2010 (Monday), 11:25 a.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.0, ISO Equiv.: 200
There is a pumpkin farm on the right side of the fence. Check out the last picture.
First built in 1891 in Jalan Hang Tuah, the prison was built in stages by the British colonial government, and was completed in 1895. The construction began with its 394-metre prison wall at a cost of RM$16,000, and had been adorned with the world's longest mural at one point in its history. Source: Wikipedia
Unknown drawings
Location: 1st Floor - Unknown block, Pudu Jail, KL, Malaysia
Date: 21st June 2010 (Monday), 12:06 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/4.0, ISO Equiv.: 560
A interesting drawing beyond the walls of the prison cells. "What about the graffiti in the cell?" you might ask. Well, its all about religion, sex, gangs and drugs. Stay tuned for Part 2 next week. Exclusive never seen before graffiti images by former inmates.
What a mess!
Location: Unknown cell & block, Pudu Jail, KL, Malaysia
Date: 21st June 2010 (Monday), 11:28 a.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/3.5, ISO Equiv.: 500
Some of the prison transaction logs and photocopy of offender database were left unattended.
Blank?
Location: Unknown cell & block, Pudu Jail, KL, Malaysia
Date: 21st June 2010 (Monday), 12:21 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.6, ISO Equiv.: 100
Electrical fixtures and fittings were missing from the building. I stumbled upon piles of broken light bulbs in one of the many jail cells.
The records
Location: The Green Mile, Jalan Pudu, KL, Malaysia
Date: 21st June 2010 (Monday), 12:21 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/5.0, ISO Equiv.: 200
Some log books with details about the supervision, safety and security of prisoners. This brown colored prison transaction log (dated 1993) typically contains information that tracks the movement of prisoners in and out of cells.
The two walls of Pudu
Location: Ground Floor - Unknown block, Pudu Jail, KL, Malaysia
Date: 21st June 2010 (Monday), 10:38 a.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/7.1, ISO Equiv.: 100
The moldy wall fronting Berjaya Times Square shopping centre has been demolished on 22nd June 2010 to make way for the road expansion of Jalan Galloway and Jalan Pudu.
Did you notice the two watch towers? In 1970s, these watch towers were built to a vernacular style with jagged edges and pointed roofs called the Minangkabau on the east and west prison walls.
Ground zero
Location: Ground zero, Pudu Jail, KL, Malaysia
Date: 21st June 2010 (Monday), 10:33 a.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/8.0, ISO Equiv.: 100
A senior cameraman from TV3. Can you see the partially demolished prison block on the right? The jail cells are visible in the picture.
By the way, does anyone recognize him? I want to send a copy to him but forgotten to get his contact details.
Prison Veggie Farm
Location: The Green Mile, Pudu Jail, KL, Malaysia
Date: 21st June 2010 (Monday), 12:58 p.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/9.0, ISO Equiv.: 100
I was truly surprised to see a pumpkin farm in Pudu Jail.
Bare naked loos
Location: Ground Floor - Unknown block, Pudu Jail, KL, Malaysia
Date: 21st June 2010 (Monday), 11:40 a.m.
Camera: Nikon D60 with Aperture: f/3.5, ISO Equiv.: 1000
A row of communal toilets in the corner of the cell. Now, that's a surprise!
Last updated 26th June 2010 (6:06 p.m.)
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Pudu Jail - Directions, Getting There & Maps:
The prison is just minutes away from Hang Tuah LRT station and Berjaya Times Square shopping centre.
Walking directions from Hang Tuah Monorial Station to Pudu Jail.
This is a thumbnail screenshot. Click link (Map 1) to download the map.
Map 1 (1 page, JPG file, 147 kb)
Note: File is hosted in MediaFire
Pudu Jail - Google Maps:
Demolition of Pudu Jail - YouTube Videos:
Pudu Jail - Read More & Useful Links:
- http://tinyurl.com/33oaftw (5 Most Infamous Pudu Jail Inmates)
- http://tinyurl.com/387j9qc (Prison holds fond memories, TheStar)
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pudu_Prison (Wikipedia article about Pudu Jail)
- http://tinyurl.com/ydoa4l9 (Pudu Jail Conservation Statement by University of Bath)
- http://tinyurl.com/2damagb (Pudu Jail, do you remember? Official Facebook page)
- http://tinyurl.com/2522kwl (Press Statement from Heritage of Malaysia Trust)
- http://tinyurl.com/29e67b3 (Mega development plan proposed for Pudu Prison land, TheStar)
- http://tinyurl.com/28fj8gg (National Heritage Act 2005, Malaysia)
