Kuala Lumpur Landmarks : Central Market



The site at which the Central Market stands used to be an open wet market.

The market, started by Yap Ah Loy, was taken over by the British government in 1888. It was extended to 250 feet in length and 90 feet in breadth. The walls were constructed of timber while the roof was covered with zinc sheets. 

Central Market in the FMS (Federated Malay States) Era



The market was popular and started expanding. To accommodate the expansion, a structure was built to house the increasing number of vendors plying their businesses there.

By the 1930s, what used to be a 'primitive' open wet market evolved into a modern market housed in a proper building which, today, is renowned for its Art Deco structure.

There were plans to demolish it in the 1970s to give way to the rapid development Kuala Lumpur was experiencing..

In 1981 when Dayabumi was to be built, it was slated for demolition. However, the timely intervention of the Malaysian Heritage Society prevented it from biting the dust. Subsequently, the market was declared a Heritage Site and is now a prominent centre promoting Malaysian art, craft and culture.

Central Market in the 1940s

.