By Aida Aziz
IPOH: The historic Muzium Darul Ridzuan here marks its centenary this year, having been built in 1926.
According to Perak Heritage Society secretary Nor Hisham Zulkiflee, the building along Jalan Panglima Bukit Gantang Wahab was built on a site that was once occupied by Malay dignitaries.
He said the colonial-style mansion was constructed in 1926 and originally served as the residence of Foo Choong Yit, a prominent tin miner in the Kinta Valley.
“On the eve of World War II (WWII), the owner built two air-raid shelters in 1941 in preparation for the threat of Japanese bombing.
“Both bunkers remain intact to this day as important remnants of the wartime era.
“After the war, the building was taken over by the state government and served as the Perak Home Guard headquarters as well as the Perak KEMAS office.
“Recognising its significant historical and heritage value, the building was later selected as the Muzium Darul Ridzuan, showcasing the history of Ipoh, the tin mining industry and the development of the forestry sector in Perak,” he said.
Muzium Darul Ridzuan was officially opened by the then Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Nazrin Shah (now Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah), on August 18, 1992.
The building continues to stand as a symbol of Perak’s heritage and a witness to the state’s historical journey.
