Established on November 20 1904 the Malaysian Police Training Centre Pulapol stands proudly. It’s the oldest police academy in Malaysia. A place where generations of officers have honed their skills. Pulapol’s history is rich and fascinating.
Initially situated on Bluff Road later renamed Bukit Aman Street Pulapol began humbly. Captain Graham a Malay States Guides officer established it. The original site now houses Bukit Aman Police Headquarters. It covered 249.5 acres a vast expanse for its time. The first intake included 207 Malay and 219 Indian recruits a testament to its early commitment to diversity.
As the number of recruits grew the old facility proved inadequate. A new centre was proposed in 1920. The economic depression delayed its construction. Finally an area near Gurney Road was selected. Construction continued throughout the 1930s. In October 1940 Pulapol moved to its current location on Jalan Semarak.
The Japanese invasion in 1941 brought a halt to training. Most officers were deployed. Only eight remained during the early occupation years. Pulapol was transformed into the Japanese Military Police Headquarters. After the war the British army reclaimed the centre. It was rebuilt into the largest police training facility. J D Fairhead led the centre after the Japanese occupation. British military personnel commanded Pulapol until Malaya’s independence in 1957.
Sir Merican Bin Sutan became the first Malay Commandant. He served from 1957 to 1959. At least 40 commandants led Pulapol from 1940 to 2007. By 1977 Pulapol trained approximately 2200 recruits per session. Its reputation for excellence grew.
In 2014 a significant milestone occurred. SAC Nahariah Hussein became the first female commandant. This historic appointment marked a new era for Pulapol. Recent initiatives have included an emphasis on further education. The Commandant encouraged 30 senior officers to pursue MBAs. Pulapol also boasts a diverse array of religious spaces. It has a mosque a Sikh temple a Buddhist shrine and a Hindu temple currently undergoing expansion.
The Malaysian Police Training Centre Pulapol is more than just an academy. It is a living testament to Malaysia’s commitment to law enforcement and its evolution. It stands as a symbol of service dedication and progress. From humble beginnings to its current status Pulapol’s legacy is one of unwavering commitment to protecting and serving.