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Introduction to Chinatown
The original Chinese town centred on Market Square. As the population grew,
expansion was constrained by swamps, hills and the river. High Street, now known
as Jalan Tun HS Lee, became increasingly popular as it was higher than the rest
of the town and therefore less prone to floods.
Kuala Lumpur was a typical "pioneer" town at the turn of the century, filled
with a rough and tough population that was largely male. Men who could afford
it spent most of their leisure time in the brothels, opium dens or gambling
booths. For entertainment, there was Chinese wayang (opera) or bangsawan (Malay
theatre).
There was the continuing problem of maintaining law and order. Up to his death
in 1885, Kapitan Cina Yap Ah Loy, who owned much of the land in this area, was
responsible for maintaining peace, but was not given money or manpower to discharge
his duty. Left to his own devices, he made use of the secret society's coercive
power. This system itself created disorder with outbreaks amongst rival gangs.
After the 1890s, civil unrest was curtailed with the set-up of British security
forces.
The Chinese leaders provided for the community through associations, benevolent
societies, temples and foundations. Through these organizations, free lodging,
work, contact with China, education, medical and funerary needs were facilitated.
Given the practice of venerating the ancestors, a sense of security was provided
against the horrors of dying outside the motherland, which the Chinese believed
left their spirits wandering.
The wealthier and more ornate shophouses were built north of Jalan Cheng Lock,
closer to the business centre. Simpler shophouses were built in this area, which
is now popularly called Chinatown. Although undergoing rapid transition, Chinatown
still has a number of functioning shophouses, with the business operating in
the "shops" on the ground floor and residents living in the "houses" upstairs.
Click the map below to view a larger version
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Digital Art & Culture Festival 2011,
15 to 17 July 2011 in Suffolk House, Penang
"Warisan Kertas 2011" Exhibition Extended to 30 September 2011
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