A photo from the late 1890s showing the newly-completed Tan Beng Swee Clock Tower, with the Christ Church on its right. — Filepic
Alongside her varied attractions, Malaysia is also home to numerous historical clock towers.
Found across the nation, the towers were once timepieces for townsfolk, as wearing personal watches was not the norm back in the day. Fortunately, some of these historical towers are still functioning today.
Mostly constructed during colonial times, their designs are often a unique blend of colonial and Islamic architectural influences.
Here are just a handful of these historical clock towers in Malaysia that are not only beautiful but have plenty of stories to tell too.
Big Clock Tower, Kedah
Standing majestically opposite Masjid Zahir in Alor Setar is the Menara Jam Besar or Big Clock Tower.
Built in 1912, the clock tower used to chime five times a day, to signify the Muslim prayer times. Although it does not ring any more today, the clock is still functioning smoothly.
Bearing a yellow and white exterior, the structure features elements from both Islamic and Hindu architectural styles.
It has a yellow gold dome with a crescent on top, which symbolises Islam. Meanwhile, decorative arches that reflect Hinduism can be seen on the lower portion of the tower.
Tourists visiting the Birch Memorial Clock Tower in Ipoh. — SAIFUL BAHRI/The Star
Birch Memorial Clock Tower, Perak
Located in the heart of Ipoh across from the State Mosque, the Birch Memorial Clock Tower bore witness to many of the state’s historical moments.
It was unveiled in 1909 as an homage to Malaya’s first British resident, J.W.W. Birch, who was assassinated in Pasir Salak in 1875.
He was a British official, but his intervention in local affairs sparked outrage among the Malay communities. This eventually led to The Perak War and his untimely death; he was assassinated by the revered Malay leader, Dato Maharaja Lela.
Take a walk around the area and you will see that the streets nearby are named after Dato Maharaja Lela and one of his accomplices, Dato Sagor.
You will also be able to see murals illustrating the history of civilisation on the upper panels of the clock tower, too. It is adorned with four statues – one in each corner – depicting the “Virtues of British Administration”.
Tan Beng Swee Clock Tower has been greeting tourists with its beautiful facade since 1886. — BRIAN JEFFERY BEGGERLY
Tan Beng Swee Clock Tower, Melaka
Typically known as the “red clock tower”, Melaka’s 138-year-old Tan Beng Swee Clock Tower greets tourists with its striking red facade, just like the buildings that surround it.
The tower that stands over 15m tall was erected as a tribute to a local businessman and philanthropist named Tan Beng Swee.
The construction of the structure was his son Tan Jiak Kim’s idea, who wanted to realise his father’s dream of building a clock tower in Melaka.
Situated within Dutch Square near Christ Church and in the accompaniment of other historical buildings like the Stadthuys, the design of the tower has Portuguese influences.
It has a unique feature: a repeller system is installed on the top floor of the tower to deter birds from defecating on it.
The Art Deco-inspired Lebuh Pasar Clock Tower in KL. — Filepic
Lebuh Pasar Clock Tower, Kuala Lumpur
Meanwhile, Lebuh Pasar Clock Tower is a common sight for folks who frequent Medan Pasar in the capital city.
The clock tower, which measures 7.6m high, dates back nearly nine decades and was constructed by British architect Arthur Oakley Coltman to commemorate the coronation of King George VI.
In the early days, memorial plaques were moun- ted in front of the structure, but they were removed after Malaya gained independence from the British.
The surrounding sides are also embellished with a “sunburst motif”, an Art Deco style that was popular back then.
The Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower in George Town is slightly tilted. — HUNDENVONPENANG/Wikimedia Commons
Queen Victoria Memorial, Penang
Like Perak’s leaning tower or Menara Condong in Teluk Intan, Penang has one that appears slightly slanted, too – the Queen Victoria Memorial clock tower.
Also called the Jubilee Clock Tower, the structure has definitely stood the test of time and ravages of war. It is tilted because of a bombing incident that took place during World War II.
Located at the junction between Light Street and Beach Street in George Town, it was built in 1897 to mark the 60th anniversary of Britain’s then Queen Victoria’s accession to the throne.
The domed clock tower is a showcase of Moorish design that features horseshoe arches.
Old Courthouse Clock Tower, Sarawak
This clock tower at the Old Courthouse Complex at Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg in Kuching is a fine reflection of the Brooke era.
The colonial baroque-styled structure – although it may not be the main highlight of the complex – was put up in 1883, 12 years after the establishment of the heritage site.
Aside from the clock tower, the Old Court House, which served as an administrative centre back in the day, comprises several buildings including the Pavilion Building (formerly a General Hospital and today Sarawak’s Textile Museum) and the Round Tower.
The Charles Brooke Memorial was also erected in 1924 at the site.
The Old Courthouse Clock Tower in Kuching was constructed during the Brooke era. — YEO JIUN TZEN/Wikimedia Commons
