Brickfields

General Description

Brickfields, known as the Little India of Kuala Lumpur, is a residential area close to the city center, primarily inhabited by Indians who follow rich customs and traditions. The neighborhood gained significance due to its association with KL Sentral, Kuala Lumpur's central public transportation hub.

In the 1880s, Kuala Lumpur faced a series of disasters, including a destructive fire and subsequent flooding. To rebuild the town with more durable structures, Frank Swettenham, the British Resident of Selangor, mandated the use of brick and tile for construction. Kapitan Yap Ah Loy, seeing an opportunity, purchased a large piece of land, now known as Brickfields, to establish a brick-making industry to support the town's reconstruction.

Yap Kwan Seng, the fifth and final Kapitan Cina of Kuala Lumpur, later developed the area. He foresaw the growing demand for bricks in the rapidly expanding city and set up a kiln in the district, making Brickfields a prominent center for high-quality bricks due to the abundance of clay in the area.

Historically, Brickfields also served as the main depot for the Malayan Railway (Keretapi Tanah Melayu or KTM) during British rule. Workers from Sri Lanka were brought in to operate the railway and lived in quarters around Brickfields. Over time, the Indian community became an integral part of the area and eventually became Malaysian citizens.

Today, Brickfields preserves its heritage with several old colonial structures lining Jalan Tun Sambanthan (formerly Jalan Brickfields), showcasing its status as one of the early settlements in Kuala Lumpur.

Area Outlook

Brickfields is a historical area with significant government quarters built during the British era. However, rapid development is posing a threat to some of these historical buildings. For instance, the "Hundred Quarters" in Jalan Chan Ah Tong, constructed in 1915 for junior servants, face the risk of demolition to make way for commercial development. As of June 2014, no demolition work had taken place, but the area is undergoing significant changes.

Throughout the day and night, Brickfields bustles with activity, and its main street is lined with shops offering a variety of Indian cuisines and various other stores that cater to both visitors and locals. Recent refurbishments have given the area a more vibrant and colorful atmosphere, with beautiful sculptures adding to its charm. Besides its culinary delights and sights, Brickfields is home to many historical Chinese temples, Indian temples, and churches, some of which have been standing for over a hundred years.

Though facing rapid development, efforts have been made to preserve Brickfields' historical character. The area has received a facelift, and increased police presence, with the installation of police booths, aims to improve safety and security.

Due to its proximity to KL Sentral, traffic in Brickfields can be heavy during peak hours, especially during major festivals when colorful and lively celebrations can lead to traffic gridlocks.

The presence of various religious structures has earned Brickfields the nickname "Divine Location." Notably, Jalan Berhala houses the Buddhist Maha Vihara and the Sri Sakthi Karpaga Vinayagar Temple, both over a century old. The Sri Kandaswamy Temple, showcasing rich Tamil architecture, is another prominent attraction in the area.

Alongside the religious structures, a few churches of different denominations, such as the Holy Rosary Church, Our Lady of Fatima, and the Zion Lutheran Church, can also be found in Brickfields. The diversity of places of worship reflects the multicultural nature of the neighborhood.

Brickfields has evolved from a residential area to a commercial extension of downtown Kuala Lumpur, mainly due to the KL Sentral development project, which is one of the city's most significant development undertakings.

The local authority governing the township is DBKL (Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur).

Connectivity & Accessibility

Major Highways

• Federal Highway (Route 2)
• New Pantai Expressway (NPE)
• Lebuhraya Sultan Iskandar (E9)
• Lebuhraya Hubungan Timur-Barat (E37)
• SMART Tunnel (Stormwater Management and Road Tunnel)

Public Transportation:

• MRT Kajang Line (MRT SBK Line): The Muzium Negara MRT station is an underground mass rapid transit station in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on the Kajang Line. It is located beneath Jalan Damansara in front of the Muzium Negara, which gave the station its name. Although located near Kuala Lumpur Sentral, it is not part of the complex.
• LRT Kelana Jaya Line (LRT KJ Line): The KL Sentral LRT Station is an LRT station in Kuala Lumpur that is served by Rapid KL's Kelana Jaya Line.
• KTM Seremban Line: KL Sentral is the main transportation hub for KTM Seremban Line, offering train services to Seremban, Nilai, and beyond.
• KTM ETS (Electric Train Service): KL Sentral is a central hub for KTM ETS, which provides high-speed train services to various cities in Malaysia, including Ipoh, Butterworth, and Padang Besar.

Note: All public transportation stations are situated in close proximity to Brickfields.

Nearby Amenities

Schools:
Brickfields is home to several educational institutions that cater to the diverse community residing in the area. Some notable schools include SK Brickfields 1, SMK La Salle Brickfields, and Global Indian International School Kuala Lumpur. These schools provide quality education and a nurturing environment for students from different cultural backgrounds.

Recreation:
Despite being a bustling urban area, Brickfields offers recreational spots for residents to unwind and enjoy leisure activities. The nearby Perdana Botanical Gardens, also known as Lake Gardens KL, is a popular destination for recreational activities.

Healthcare:
Residents of Brickfields have access to healthcare facilities and medical services. The Kuala Lumpur Hospital, one of Malaysia's largest public hospitals, provides comprehensive medical care, specialist consultations, and emergency services. Cardiac Vascular Sentral Kuala Lumpur and Bangsar Medical Centre are hospitals that are situated nearby to the area of Brickfields. Additionally, there are private clinics and medical centers in the area such as: Klinik Nadia Brickfields, ensuring residents have easy access to healthcare facilities.

Commercial & Industrial Landmarks

Here's a table showcasing some of the commercial and industrial landmarks in Brickfields, including retail marts, shopping malls, commercial areas and commercial office buildings:

Landmark	Type	Description
NU Sentral Mall	Shopping Mall	A modern shopping mall at KL Sentral offering a wide range of retail outlets, dining options, and entertainment facilities.
KL Sentral	Commercial Area	A major transportation and business hub, hosting various offices, hotels, and retail spaces, with seamless connectivity.
Little India Brickfields	Commercial Area	A vibrant area known for its Indian culture, featuring numerous shops, restaurants, and businesses offering Indian goods.
Mid Valley Megamall	Shopping Mall	Located nearby in Mid Valley City, it is one of Malaysia's largest malls, providing extensive retail and dining experiences.
Plaza Sentral	Commercial Office Building	A premium Grade-A office building located within KL Sentral, offering corporate office spaces and business amenities.
Menara Sentral Vista	Commercial Office Building	A corporate office tower situated in the heart of Brickfields.
Menara Shell	Commercial Office Building	A commercial development consisting of a 33-storey stratified office tower offering a range of commercial units for office use.
The Gardens Mall	Shopping Mall	An upscale shopping mall adjacent to Mid Valley Megamall, offering a luxurious shopping experience and dining options.

Residential Developments

Here's a table showcasing some of the residential developments in the Brickfields area:

Development	Location	Developer	Description
Suasana Sentral Loft	KL Sentral	UMLand	A luxurious condominium with modern facilities, located in the heart of KL Sentral, offering convenience and comfort.
The Sentral Residences	KL Sentral	MRCB Land	A high-rise serviced residence with premium amenities, offering panoramic views of the city skyline and seamless connectivity.
Sri Impian Condominium	Brickfields	Li-Foong Housing Development	A well-established condominium offering spacious units and easy access to nearby amenities and public transportation.
Villa Scott Condominium	Brickfields	Aston Villa Sdn Bhd	A contemporary condominium development with stylish interiors and a range of facilities for residents' enjoyment.
633 Residency	Jalan Tebing	Wijaya Spektra Sdn Bhd	A condominium development with practical layouts and convenient access to public transportation and major highways.
St Regis The Residences	KL Sentral	MRCB Land	An upscale serviced apartment project with world-class hospitality services and luxurious living spaces in a prime location.
Menara Pelangi	Brickfields	Grand Central Development Sdn Bhd	A contemporary condominium offering a modern living experience in the heart of Brickfields.

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