Sungai Buloh Leprosarium

In 1930, amidst the lush valley of Bukit Lagong, a remarkable haven emerged: the Sungai Buloh Leprosarium. Now officially known as the National Leprosy Control Centre, Sungai Buloh Leprosarium stands as a testament to a compassionate approach to leprosy treatment. Sungai Buloh Leprosarium wasn’t designed as a place of exile, but as a vibrant community. It was a place where patients could live with dignity, free from the stigma and isolation often associated with the disease. At its peak, Sungai Buloh Leprosarium housed 2,440 patients across its sprawling 562 acres, making it the largest leprosarium in the British Empire and the second largest globally, after Culion Leprosarium in the Philippines. Sungai Buloh Leprosarium’s innovative design, inspired by Ebenezer Howard’s Garden City model, featured distinct zones including a central park, residential areas, a green belt, and even a bustling market. This forward-thinking approach fostered a sense of normalcy and community among the residents. The Sungai Buloh Leprosarium was a self-sufficient community. Patients held various roles, from clerks and teachers to farmers and police officers. They even had their own internal currency in the 1930s. Sungai Buloh Leprosarium became a hub for groundbreaking leprosy research. A key contribution from Sungai Buloh Leprosarium was the discovery of Dapsone resistance in 1964-1965 by Dr. R. J. W. Rees and Dr. John H. S. Petit, in collaboration with the British Medical Research Institute in London. This research, along with the establishment of Asia’s first footpad investigation animal house at Sungai Buloh Leprosarium, led to significant advancements in leprosy treatment. The Sungai Buloh Leprosarium’s impact extended beyond Malaysia’s borders, receiving patients from across the Straits Settlements and even internationally. This created a uniquely diverse community, reflected in the variety of religious buildings and social clubs that thrived within the leprosarium. The Sungai Buloh Leprosarium’s simple, single-story architecture contributed to its peaceful, village-like atmosphere. The design provided a sense of familiarity and belonging for many patients who had come from rural backgrounds. Sungai Buloh Leprosarium’s story is one of resilience, community, and hope. It’s a story of how a place designed for isolation became a symbol of inclusion and advancement in the fight against leprosy.