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FireFlyz | 13
Bahru, the Sultan Ibrahim Building was
where the former state secretariat used to
be housed. Construction of the building
started in 1936 and was completed in
1940. It was officially opened by the late
Sultan Ibrahim of Johor. This was the
tallest building in Malaya during the pre-
Independence era and it stood as the tallest
building in Johor Bahru until the 1970’s
when the Merlin Tower was completed.
The architecture of the building com-
bines colonial andMalay influences, with
its Saracenic design and tower making it
a distinct landmark in Johor Bahru. The
building was designed by the renowned
British architectural firm Palmer and
Turner, who were also responsible for the
design of the Johor BahruGeneral Hospital
as well as several landmarks in Singapore.
The building was partly damaged
during the Japanese invasion and these
parts are still visible.
Kota Bharu
Kota Bharu, occasionally known as Kota
Baharu, serves as the state capital and
royal seat of Kelantan. The city was
established by Sultan Muhammad II of
Kelantan in 1844 as Kelantan’s capital.
Before this event, Kota Bharu was known
as Kuala Kelantan. About 10kmaway from
Kota Bharu sits Pantai Sabak, which was
the initial landing point of the Japanese
invasion forces in their Malayan campaign
on Dec 8, 1941. This campaign saw the
Japanese successfully engage the British
forces in jungle warfare and ultimately
capture Singapore.
Kota Bharu is home to many gorgeous
buildings dripping in history and one of
the more unique ones is the State Mosque
or Masjid Muhammadi. This place of
worship was originally built in 1867 using
specially selected timber. What makes
this mosque so unique is that part of the
design includes a clock tower, which is a
rare thing in a mosque. Renovation of the
mosque from timber to concrete was car-
ried out in 1922. Further renovations and
extensions over the years have increased
the overall area of the mosque and it can
now accommodate about 2,400 people.
Kuching
Kuching is the capital and most populous
city in the state of Sarawak. After the
formation of Malaysia in 1963, Kuching
retained its status as state capital and was
granted city status in 1946.
The Kuching General Post Office, built
in 1931, is a majestic building located
along Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, Kuch-
ing. The third, and last, white ruler of
Sarawak, Rajah Charles Vyner Brooke,
commissioned the building of the post
office. The design was created by Denis
Santry of the architectural firm of Swan &
MaClaren, Singapore.
The facade of the post office was done
in the neoclassical style. At different
points in its existence, the site was used
as a police station and as stables for the
rulers. This landmark still continues to
function as the main post office for the
city of Kuching.
Muhammadi Mosque, Kota Bharu
Kuching General Post Office
Firefly flies to
Kota Bharu from
various destinations.
Information on flight
routes and schedules
can be found at www.
fireflyz.com.my