Badan Warisan Malaysia (The Heritage of Malaysia Trust)

13/06/2026

BWM X KL Festival 2026: Week 4 Recap

The Diverse Origins of Kuala Lumpur: A Special Talk Series on the Early History of Our City

The final week of KL Festival 2026 wrapped up the series with a wide-ranging exploration of Kuala Lumpur’s layered history, from its early figures and pivotal events to its landscapes and future outlook.

Featuring:
• Sutan Puasa and Abdullah Hukum by Abdur-Razzaq Lubis
• The Klang Wars by Khoo Salma Nasution
• Muddy Waters: The Lost Sungai Lumpur by Dr. Lim Teckwyn & Peter Leong
• Kuala Lumpur – Past, Present and Future by Ar. Azim A. Aziz

These sessions brought together different threads of the city’s story, offering a deeper understanding of how Kuala Lumpur has evolved over time.

Thank you to all our speakers and everyone who joined us throughout the festival. Follow us for more upcoming talks and events.

Think City
Warisan KL
KL Festival

13/06/2026

Every contribution helps restore Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman and keeps our shared heritage alive for future generations. Scan the QR code or click the link in our bio to read more and donate.

12/06/2026

BWM X KL Festival 2026: Week 3 Recap

The Diverse Origins of Kuala Lumpur: A Special Talk Series on the Early History of Our City

Week 3 of KL Festival 2026 brought a focused exploration into one of Kuala Lumpur’s notable early figures and his role in the city’s development.

Featuring:
• Tamboosamy Pillay by Dr. Sivachandralingam Sundara Raja

This session shed light on Tamboosamy Pillay’s contributions and his place within the broader history of Kuala Lumpur’s early growth and transformation.

Thank you to our speaker and everyone who joined us for this session.

11/06/2026

11/06/2026

How much do we really know about the origins of Medan Pasar?

Join us for a fascinating journey into the history of Medan Pasar, the city’s historic Old Market Square which was also the home of Yap Ah Loy, the 3rd Kapitan China of Kuala Lumpur. Based on his forthcoming book MEDAN PASAR: The Old Market Square of Kuala Lumpur, Robert Powell will explore the people, places, and events that shaped the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

Visit our website to register: www.badanwarisanmalaysia.org.

09/06/2026

FOR SALE | ‘Sutan Puasa’ by Abdur-Razzaq Lubis - RM200 per copy.

We are pleased to announce that this book is now available for purchase at the Badan Warisan Malaysia Gift Shop.

This book uncovers the untold story of Kuala Lumpur’s earliest beginnings — from migration and trade to war and colonial intervention.

Beyond the familiar names of Raja Abdullah and Yap Ah Loy lies a forgotten figure, Sutan Puasa. A Mandailing noble, tin trader, and visionary leader, he transformed ‘Pangkalan Lumpur’ into a thriving multicultural trading hub at the heart of the Klang Valley.

Get your copy and discover the story of SUTAN PUASA.

Packing and delivery charges are extra at cost from KLCC area. Self-pick-up available. WhatsApp us at 03-2144 9273 for more information about this item from our Gift Shop.

09/06/2026

BWM X KL Festival 2026: Week 2 Recap

The Diverse Origins of Kuala Lumpur: A Special Talk Series on the Early History of Our City

As we look back on KL Festival 2026, the second week continued with insightful sessions exploring the people and communities that shaped Kuala Lumpur’s identity.

Featuring:
• The Legacy and Heritage of Loke Chow Kit by Ar. Junn Ng & Ar. Noor Fazlina Rosley
• Asal Usul Orang Asli Kuala Lumpur by Shereen Ajani, Batin Ulang Sipang & Mahat China

These sessions highlighted the diverse cultural and historical roots of the city, offering deeper perspectives on its development over time.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to the conversations throughout the week.

06/06/2026

BWM X KL Festival 2026: Week 1 Recap

The Diverse Origins of Kuala Lumpur: A Special Talk Series on the Early History of Our City

We're revisiting the first week of KL Festival 2026, where participants joined us for a series of talks exploring the history and heritage of Kuala Lumpur.

Featuring:
• KL Trails & Tales by Mariana Isa & Maganjeet Kaur
• Muara Bustak a.k.a Kuala Lumpur by Dato’ Ar. Hajeedar Abdul Majid
• The Life and Legacy of Yap Ah Loy by Glenn Yap

Each talk offered unique insights into the city’s rich and diverse beginnings, highlighting different perspectives on Kuala Lumpur’s history and heritage.

Thank you to our speakers and all who attended these engaging discussions on the city's past.

04/06/2026

SERIES HIGHLIGHT:

Drawn by Chin Yon Kit, with accompanying text by Chen Voon Fee, the ‘Sketchbook’ series books: ‘Kuala Lumpur: Sketchbook’ (2013), ‘Malacca: Sketchbook’ (2007), and ‘Penang: Sketchbook’ (2001) highlights the uniqueness of the Malaysian states with breathtaking watercolor paintings of various buildings found in each states. Alongside the paintings are handwritten notes describing each building with great consideration.

All three books are available for viewing in our Chen Voon Fee Resource Centre. If you are interested in viewing Chin Yon Kit’s beautiful artworks for yourself, email us as [email protected] as library visits are by appointment only.