#OrangKL: Evolution of KL from a small tin mining town into the future

THE POPULATION of Kuala Lumpur currently stands at 1.7 million people, although early history has indicated that the figure, back in the 1800 was relatively small.

After all, who would have thought that from a small tin mining town, Kuala Lumpur has metamorphosed itself into one of the most renowned metropolitan city in the world.

In case you're wondering, there are several historical facts you need to know about Kuala Lumpur.

In conjunction with the Federal Territory Day today, Astro AWANI has launched #OrangKL campaign to commemorate the celebration.

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1. The formation of Kuala Lumpur

In 1857, Raja Abdullah represented the Yam Tuan in his exploration to find tins in Kuala Lumpur. He was assisted by Raja Jumaat from Lukut and 87 Chinese tin miners.

After they traipsed the Sungai Gombak and Sungai Kelang they ventured into the wilderness of the jungle, and finally discovered a tin mine in Ampang.

Since then, Kuala Lumpur has continued to evolve from a tin-mining village into a trade center that has attracted many foreign investors.

2. Kuala Lumpur, the administration centre

Yap Ah Loy arrived in Kuala Lumpur in the 1860s and saw the rapid growth of the city.

Due to the city's potential progress, British Resident of Selangor J.G.Davidson in December 1873, had transferred the capital of Selangor to Kuala Lumpur when Frederick Weld become the governor of the Straits Settlements.

3. The rapid development of Kuala Lumpur

The development of Kuala Lumpur was even more holistic during the British colonisation due to its structured planning, thanks to Frank Swettenham who was appointed Selangor Resident in 1882.

The development of the city was a smooth sailing affair, so to speak especially Kuala Lumpur had experienced several devastation including fire and Civil War.

4. Kuala Lumpur as the capital of the Federated Malay States

Kuala Lumpur was chosen as the capital of the Straits Settlements Federation in 1896, due to its rapid development edifice, followed by the reign of the Malayan Union.

5. Kuala Lumpur and its administration in 1890

The Sanitary Board was responsible for among others the cleanliness of roads, installation of lights and many more in Kuala Lumpur, during 1890. Now Kuala Lumpur is managed and supervised under Kuala Lumpur City Hall and the Ministry of Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing.

6. Sultan Abdul Samad building

Sultan Abdul Samad building is strategically located in the centre of Kuala Lumpur.

The heritage building was once the Administrative Centre for the Federated Malay State. The General Post Office, the Selangor Government State Secretariat Office and the Supreme Court of Malaysia also once part of the Sultan Abdul Samad building.

Currently, the historical building is designated as the administrative office of Ministry of Information, Communication and Culture.

7. The ‘city’ status

On 1st Feb 19172, Kuala Lumpur was awarded the ‘City’ status by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and subsequently declared as the Federal Territory on 1st Feb 1974.

Source: National Archives of Malaysia Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia and the Department of Information Ministry of Communication and Multimedia.