Central Market KL
The Central Market was built in 1888 by the British Colonial Government to be used as a wet market for Kuala Lumpur's early citizens. It was here that the tin-miners bought their fresh produce and other food ingredients to feed their mine workers. It is located beside the Klang River as road communications were insufficient and the river was used as a main transport channel.
By 1933, further expansions were made to the market to include warehouses. As KL experienced rapid development in the 1970s, plans were made by the authorities to demolish the site in order to make way for the Dayabumi Complex. However, there was much objection to this move to eradicate the Market and intervention by the Malaysian Heritage Society proved timely as they successfully petitioned against the destruction of the building and the site was declared as a "Heritage Site".
This wet market was very convenient to the early city dwellers because it was within the vicinity of the Klang Bus Station, a feeder bus service for KL and PJ as well as Klang. The KL Railway Station was also within walking distance. There was always the presence of fishy smells in both the buses and trains as commuters took home their provisions.
In 1985, the Central Market was renovated and renamed Pasar Seni. It ceased being a wet market and was transformed into a indoor bazaar with more than a hundred small shops, hawker centre, restaurant, fast-food outlet, selling all kinds of souvenirs and crafts, batiks etcetera.
The Annexe building at the back of the main building houses art galleries, theatre and performing arts centre beside housing many arts & crafts shops. It is one of the major art spaces in KL and is a hotspot for creative arts activities all year round.
The walking mall, also known as Kasturi Walk is an open-air bazaar which also sells many souvenirs besides housing street musicians and buskers.
User reviews
Leave a review
Add Review
