Kuala Lumpur History shows the birth and genesis of the capital city of Malaysia. Initially a small town, the birth of Kuala Lumpur can be traced to the early 1850s. The city developed independently through the world wars and emerged as one of the prospering cities of Asia.
Kuala Lumpur history reflects the growth and development of a small town by the confluence of Gombak and Klang rivers into one of the leading cities of Asia. The city was established when the Chinese settlers were sent to this region by Raja Abdullah.
Foundation of Kuala Lumpur
A member of the Selangor's royal family, Raja Abdullah selected this region in the Klang Valley, expecting tin prospects in the region. Chinese miners were settled in the region, thriving on the metal prospects and soon attracting attention of merchants and traders. Although a large number of miners suffered death as pestilence struck the region in the very beginning, most of them remained in the region and aided in its growing prosperity. Kuala Lumpur emerged as the capital city of the Selangor state in 1880. Prior to this period,
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Kuala Lumpur became an active frontier in the Selangor Civil War. The former town was also plagued by a number of calamities like floods, disease and fire.
Growth and Development
The growth and development of the infrastructure of Kuala Lumpur is attributed to British Resident of Selangor, Frank Swettenham. The railways were soon established to provide easy accessibility within the city. The Sanitary Board of the city was established with the development of buildings in Kuala Lumpur. The city was declared as the capital of the Federated Malay States in 1896.
With the failure of the rubber and tin trade, Malaysia was faced with the State of Emergency. It was during this period, between 1948 and 1960, that Malaya came under the occupation of the communists. After Malaya states gained its independence from the British colonial yoke in 1957, the Federation of Malaya was established. Kuala Lumpur retained its primal position as the capital city of the Federation till the establishment of the Malaysia in 1963. The city was declared the national capital, gaining city status in 1972.
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