A century-old YMCA stands proudly in Brickfields. This is Kuala Lumpur’s Little India. Brickfields wasn’t always known for its vibrant Indian culture. In 1881 a devastating flood and fire ravaged Kuala Lumpur. Many structures were made of wood and atap thatching. They were destroyed. Frank Swettenham the British Resident of Selangor ordered a change. All new buildings had to be made of brick and tile. Kapitan Yap Ah Loy saw opportunity. He bought land now Brickfields. He started a brick industry. This spurred Kuala Lumpur’s rebuilding.
Yap Kwan Seng the last Kapitan Cina further developed Brickfields. He understood the growing need for bricks. He established a kiln in the area. Brickfields became synonymous with quality bricks. Its clay pits provided excellent material. The area also housed the main Keretapi Tanah Melayu KTM depot. The British employed many from Sri Lanka to work the railway. Many settled in Brickfields. The Indian community grew and became Malaysian citizens. Remnants of their old quarters remain around Jalan Rozario. This depot transformed into KL Sentral the city’s central railway hub.
Brickfields is one of Kuala Lumpur’s earliest settlements. Jalan Tun Sambanthan formerly Jalan Brickfields is filled with old colonial structures. The area is a testament to its history. Brickfields is also known as a Divine Location. This is because many religious structures are concentrated here particularly along Jalan Berhala. The Maha Vihara Buddhist Temple is a prominent landmark. Founded in 1894 it’s the oldest registered Buddhist Society in the Klang Valley. The Sinhalese Buddhist community manages it. The Chinese and Indian Buddhist communities support it. Its Wesak procession is the country’s oldest and largest religious event. It attracts about 100000 people annually.
The Sri Kandaswamy Temple another notable landmark showcases rich Tamil architecture. Built in 1902 it’s a popular tourist attraction. It provides religious services including house warming and child 31st-day ceremonies. Its Kalamandapam hall hosts weddings. Both the Sri Kandaswamy Temple and Buddhist Maha Vihara reflect the Ceylonese influence. They were brought to work on the Malayan Railways before World War II. Numerous churches mosques and Chinese temples such as Sam Kow Tong Temple also enrich Brickfields’ religious landscape.
Today Brickfields is a bustling commercial center. Indian businessmen own many shops. You find spice shops grocery outlets sweet and snack shops. Textile shops goldsmiths hotels restaurants and more line the streets. The Malaysian Institute of Accountants is located here. Many audit and law firms are also established in Brickfields. The printing and paper distribution business thrives along Jalan Sultan Abdul Samad. The area’s development continues. The KL Sentral development project is one of Kuala Lumpur’s largest. It includes KL Sentral a transportation hub hotels condominiums and more. It was built on the former KTM marshalling yard. Brickfields remains a vibrant blend of old and new. It is a unique place rich in history and culture. It’s a must-see in Kuala Lumpur.