What if these walls could talk? They would tell tales of bravery. They would whisper secrets of Malaysia’s past. We are standing before the Royal Malaysia Police Museum. This museum is a testament to the history of law enforcement in Malaysia.
The Royal Malaysia Police Museum began modestly. It started as an educational resource for the police force in the early 1950s. It wasn’t until 1961 that it found a permanent home in Kuala Lumpur. The museum relocated to its current location along Jalan Perdana in the 1990s.
The Royal Malaysia Police celebrated its 200th anniversary on March 25 2007. The Royal Malaysia Police Museum officially opened on July 24 1999. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi opened it. The museum is near Kuala Lumpur Bird Park. It is opposite the National Planetarium.
Inside the Royal Malaysia Police Museum are three galleries. Gallery A shows policing in the early Malay Sultanate. It explains how Temenggung was police chief and prison superintendent. Replicas of old Malacca streets teach about policing. Learn about policing during Portuguese and Dutch rule. Discover how today’s Royal Malaysia Police has its origins in the British era.
Gallery B details the police during Malaya’s and the Straits Settlement. These were Penang, Malacca, and Singapore. It also covers the Federated Malay States. These were Selangor, Perak, Pahang, and Negeri Sembilan. The gallery includes the Unfederated Malay States. These were Kedah, Perlis, Kelantan, and Terengganu, Sabah and Sarawak.
Gallery C covers the Malayan Emergency. It describes the struggle against the communists. It highlights the police’s Special Branch success in defeating the enemy. This gallery shows the sacrifices made.
Outside the Royal Malaysia Police Museum, you will see armored personnel tanks. An old boat used by the Marine Police is on display. A Cessna plane sits at the entrance. You’ll also see cars used by previous Inspectors-General of Police. Old cannons are displayed at the side of the main building.
Inside the Royal Malaysia Police Museum, you can see police uniforms since 1807. This is when the force was established in Penang. The Malacca Sultanate era is shown. This includes the Portuguese, Dutch, and British conquests of Malacca. Police-related plaques are also exhibited.
The Royal Malaysia Police Museum displays vehicles used by the police. Weapons confiscated from criminals and communists are on display. The museum traces the police force’s beginning in Penang. It continues to the present day.
The Royal Malaysia Police Museum shows the Japanese Occupation during World War Two. It covers the state of emergency when communists terrorized the land. It includes the Confrontation with Indonesia. The Bukit Kepong incident is featured. Communists attacked the police station in Kepong on Feb 23 1950. They killed 25 police officers and their families. The May 13 racial riots are also covered. Previous Inspectors-General of Police are highlighted.
The Royal Malaysia Police Museum is open from 10am to 6pm every day except Mondays. On Fridays, it is open from 10am to 12:30pm and 2:30pm to 6pm. Admission to the Royal Malaysia Police Museum is free.
As you leave the Royal Malaysia Police Museum reflect on the dedication. Think about the sacrifices made by the Royal Malaysian Police. Their story is etched in every exhibit. It echoes in the heart of this remarkable museum.