Muddy Waters: The Lost Sungai Lumpur by Dr. Lim Teckwyn & Peter Leong

Posted on May 6, 2026 Updated on May 13, 2026

Kuala Lumpur’s name is often translated as “muddy confluence” of the Klang and Gombak rivers, but could it come from a forgotten “Sungai Lumpur”? Join Dr. Lim Teckwyn and Peter Leong as they uncover the hidden story behind the city’s origins.

Admission is free. Click HERE to register. Limited seats left with limited walk-ins available. Please arrive early, entrance and seating is on first come first served basis.

Venue: Badan Warisan Malaysia, 2, Jalan Stonor, Kuala Lumpur (nearest MRT: Conlay)

Dr. Lim Teckwyn runs Resource Stewardship Consultants Sdn Bhd and is an Honorary Professor in Environmental Science at the University of Nottingham Malaysia. He is also affiliated with the Centre for Malaysian Indigenous Studies at University of Malaya. His work focuses on the relationships between people and nature, particularly how landscapes, ecosystems, and indigenous knowledge systems intersect.

Peter Leong is a chemical engineer who held various roles in the petroleum industry before turning his focus toward environmental conservation, as well as civil and land rights. An avid hiking, orienteering, and mapping enthusiast, he studies trail and roadway histories, combining field exploration with historical research.

Together, they will present evidence suggesting that Kuala Lumpur may have been named after a now-hidden “Sungai Lumpur” (Mud River). Drawing on historical records, maps, and toponymic research, they will explore how this once-visible stream, later renamed Treacher Valley Stream, can reshape our understanding of the city’s indigenous and ecological heritage.

Thamboosamy Pillai – Administrator, Capitalist & Philantropist by Dr. Sivachandralingam Sundara Raja

Posted on May 6, 2026 Updated on May 13, 2026

Thamboosamy Pillai was a key figure in the early development of Kuala Lumpur, known for his roles as an administrator, capitalist, and philanthropist. Join us for a special session with Sivachandralingam Sundara Raja, a retired professor and former Head of the Department of History at the Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences, University of Malaya, as he shares insights into the life and legacy of this remarkable figure.

Admission is free. Click HERE to register. Limited seats left with limited walk-ins available. Please arrive early, entrance and seating is on first come first served basis.

Venue: Badan Warisan Malaysia, 2, Jalan Stonor, Kuala Lumpur (nearest MRT: Conlay)

Sivachandralingam Sundara Raja will explore how Thamboosamy Pillai earned respect among British administrators and diverse communities, including European elites, Malay aristocrats, Chinese capitalists, and Indians across social classes, shaping the early growth and multicultural fabric of Kuala Lumpur.

The Life and Legacy of Yap Ah Loy by Glenn Yap

Posted on May 4, 2026 Updated on May 8, 2026

Yap Ah Loy, the 3rd Kapitan China of Kuala Lumpur, was among the most significant individuals who enabled Kuala Lumpur to become the capital of the Federated Malay States and eventually Malaya. Join us for a special session with Glenn Yap, as he shares fascinating insights about his beloved and formidable ancestor.

Admission is free; however, this session is now fully booked – we thank you for the incredible response. A limited number of walk-in seats is subject to availability.

Venue: Kong Choi Exhibition Room, 1st floor, KLSCAH, Jalan Maharajalela, Kuala Lumpur (nearest Monorail: Maharajalela)

Glenn Yap, the double-great grandson of Yap Ah Loy, will share stories of the Kapitan’s pivotal role in shaping Kuala Lumpur, including rebuilding it from its ruins.

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Muara Bustak a.k.a Kuala Lumpur by Dato’ Ar. Hajeedar Abdul Majid

Posted on May 4, 2026 Updated on May 4, 2026

Do join us for a fascinating talk on early Malay settlements in Kuala Lumpur, in particular Muara Bustak which was the original name of Kuala Lumpur among the Mandailing community. The talk will be delivered by Dato’ Ar (Dr) Hajeedar Abdul Majid.

Admission is free. Click HERE to register.

Venue: Workplace at The River (W@TR), Level 1, Wisma Maran, 28 Medan Pasar, 50050 Kuala Lumpur (nearest LRT: Masjid Jamek)

This talk will explore a historical insight on the humble origin of indigenous human settlements at the confluence of Sungai Gombak and Sungai Kelang in Selangor, known as ‘Muara Bustak’ by the Mandailing community of the 1800s.

It narrates the natural evolution of various communities, including displacements as spurred by intense social, trading and economic activities over the last 200 years which have developed into the modern Kuala Lumpur as we now recognize in this 21st Century.

Kuala Lumpur in its current global and multi cultural ethnic form, is a classic and unique evidence of humanistic values, achievements and quality of life built on mutual respect, tolerance and co-existence with nature. The total environment therefore embodies a distinct Malaysian character, Identity and Heritage Values worthy of understanding, tolerance, sustaining and preservation for the future generations.

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KL Trails & Tales: Selected stories on Kuala Lumpur’s forgotten memories by Mariana Isa & Maganjeet Kaur

Posted on May 3, 2026 Updated on May 8, 2026

We kick-off our series on the early history of our city with a fascinating talk on old Kuala Lumpur by Mariana Isa and Maganjeet Kaur. We look forward to seeing you at the talk!

Admission is free; however, this session is now fully booked – we thank you for the incredible response. A limited number of walk-in seats is subject to availability.

Venue: Workplace at The River (W@TR), Level 1, Wisma Maran, 28 Medan Pasar, 50050 Kuala Lumpur (nearest LRT: Masjid Jamek)

This talk shares selected stories uncovered while developing the narratives for KL DULU: Jejak Warisan Kuala Lumpur under Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur. Through walking the city, researching its streets, and revisiting familiar landmarks, the session brings together some forgotten memories of Kuala Lumpur’s buildings, neighbourhoods, and public spaces. It offers a journey through stories discovered along the way — some hidden in archives, some found on the ground, and others revealed through walking, observing, and asking new questions about the city.

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STAFF MOVEMENT

Posted on April 30, 2026 Updated on April 30, 2026

We are writing to share that Ms. Vanessa Loong will be leaving Badan Warisan Malaysia as General Manager after 6 years with Badan Warisan Malaysia. We will be sad to see her leave and are grateful for her immeasurable contributions and dedication to the organization.

We wish her all the best in her future endeavors and know that she will continue to be a friend and supporter of Badan Warisan Malaysia.

We are pleased to announce that Ms. Rosmiza Rosli will be stepping into the role of Senior Manager effective 1 May 2026. We are confident she will continue to bring great value to our team, along with Nur Syuhada, Nurul Aina and Maisuri.

Please join me in wishing Vanessa well and welcoming Rosmiza to her new role.

LIM WEI-LING
President

The Diverse Origins of Kuala Lumpur: A special talk series on the early history of our city

Posted on March 14, 2026 Updated on March 14, 2026

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In conjunction with KL Festival from 6 to 31 May 2026, Badan Warisan Malaysia will be presenting a series of history talks on ‘The Diverse Origins of Kuala Lumpur’. Please follow us for more updates and the full programme. Information will also be available in our website, badanwarisanmalaysia.org.

We look forward to seeing you!

BWM Members’ Trip: Immersing in Nature and Built Heritage at Rimbun Dahan

Posted on March 6, 2026 Updated on March 6, 2026

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BWM Members’ Trip: Immersing in Nature and Built Heritage at Rimbun Dahan

Date: Saturday, 18 April 2026
Time : 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Fee per person: RM80 (BWM Member) or RM120 (Non-Member)

Click HERE to register

Programme Description

Badan Warisan Malaysia is pleased to organise a BWM Members’ Trip — Immersing in Nature and Built Heritage at Rimbun Dahan.

Rimbun Dahan is a privately owned arts and cultural centre founded by architect Hijjas Kasturi and his wife, Angela Kasturi. Located just outside Kuala Lumpur, the compound sits within a 14-acre tropical garden in Selangor, thoughtfully designed to integrate art, architecture and nature. The visit will begin with a walk through the front garden, with a talk about the importance of natural heritage, the careful selection of plant species, and the roles they play in cultural development. The walk will continue to Taman Sari, the herb garden featuring plants traditionally used for perfume, cooking and medicine.

This visit will also include the two heritage houses relocated to the site — one from Parit, Perak, and another from Jalan Perak, Georgetown, accompanied by an explanation of the reasons and considerations behind reconstructing these traditional houses at Rimbun Dahan, highlighting the importance of preserving architectural heritage within a living landscape

Itinerary
9.00am: Meet at Rimbun Dahan (Self-Drive)
9.10am: Visit Taman Sari & Heritage Houses
11.30am: Light Refreshment
1.00pm: Depart from Rimbun Dahan