The Story Behind the Construction of Most Clock Towers Across Perak

A clock tower is a type of tower structure specifically built with one or more clock faces displayed in public areas. There are free-standing clock towers, and some that are part of buildings such as places of worship or city halls.

In reality, clock towers are not just built to tell the current time, but they are symbolic of important events that should be remembered so that no one ever forgets the events that took place in the past. In this article, orangperak.com wants to share the story behind the construction of most clock towers built around towns in districts across the state of Perak. Among the areas involved are Kampar, Parit, Ipoh, Sungai Siput, Kuala Kangsar, Parit Buntar, Lumut, and many more.

Kampar Clock Tower

- The clock tower in Kampar has a triangular design and features a clock on each of its faces. For your information, loyal readers of orangperak.com, this clock tower was operational by August 31, 1957, even though it was not fully completed at that time. The inscription "MERDEKA 1957" is carved on the body of the Kampar clock tower. Perhaps you did not know that this clock tower in Kampar was built using funds donated by local residents at the time to celebrate our country's first independence day in 1957.

Ipoh Square Clock Tower

- It has been a focal point for every child of Perak on August 30th every year since 1957. The anticipation of the 12 midnight moment here every year carries symbolic meaning for its construction since 1957 when our country achieved independence.

Sungai Siput Clock Tower

- The clock tower in Sungai Siput is located on the main road, and the words "MERDEKA 1957" are clearly displayed on the clock's body. Just like the Kampar clock tower, the construction of the clock in Sungai Siput is proof of the unity of the residents there who pooled funds to build it. On January 20, 1958, the first Prime Minister of Malaysia at the time, Tunku Abdul Rahman, officiated the Sungai Siput clock tower. This clock tower is a historical heritage for future generations to behold as a symbol of pride for the residents of Sungai Siput.

Kuala Kangsar Clock Tower

- Using funds from the Perak state government along with contributions from the people of Kuala Kangsar, the Kuala Kangsar clock tower was completed in 1939, originally to commemorate the coronation of King George VI in England. Later, on August 31, 1957, the symbolic commemoration of this clock tower was changed to the national independence celebration, and since that date, the clock tower in Kuala Kangsar has indirectly become a symbol of pride for the country's liberation from colonial rule.

Parit Buntar Clock Tower

- For your information, loyal readers of orangperak.com, the construction of the clock tower in Parit Buntar was slightly delayed compared to the other clock towers listed. Two years after the country gained independence, in 1959, this clock tower was finally completed. The father of our country's independence, Tunku Abdul Rahman, officiated this clock tower on August 24, 1961, and the clock tower in Parit Buntar is a symbol of the prosperity and independence of Malaysia, which had been freed from colonial rule. Its design, resembling a mosque tower, is very impressive. There are 4 large clocks placed on each surface at the top of this tower.

Parit Clock Tower

- A small town that was once very grand, serving as a main transit point between the towns of Beruas and Kuala Kangsar to Siputeh, Pusing, Batu Gajah, and Ipoh. This clock tower was built at a cost of 3,370 USD from money collected through donations from local residents. The design, featuring Moorish architecture and the inscription "Amaran Kemerdekaan Persekutuan Tanah Melayu" (Commemoration of the Independence of the Federation of Malaya), was officiated on January 20, 1963, by Tun Abdul Razak, who was the Deputy Prime Minister at the time. To this day, this clock tower remains a symbol of pride and independence for the local residents and serves as a major landmark of Parit town.

Lumut Clock Tower

- It is sad to recount, but we must face the reality because it has already happened. The Lumut Clock Tower, which was a symbol of the country's 1957 independence, was actually destroyed due to the development of the Lumut Port some time ago. Thus, a historical monument that served as a symbol of Malaysia's independence in the Lumut area was lost.

Credit and adaptation of the story from relaksminda.com