Mahadi (front) launching the book while DBKL Community Development and Urban Wellbeing Department director Ismadi Sakirin looks on. — MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star
Narrating 10 illustrated stories of a person’s journey exploring Kuala Lumpur, the 85-page Pengembaraan Si Cilik Ke Kuala Lumpur brings a sense of nostalgia to its readers.
The book details the rich history and heritage of the people in different parts of Kuala Lumpur 50 years ago, such as in Kampung Baru, Brickfields, Chinatown, Dataran Merdeka and Bukit Nenas as well as at the convergence of Sungai Kelang and Sungai Gombak.
It also shows how the capital city has grown over the last five decades.
The book is one of three launched at Pustaka@KL, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, in conjunction with the city’s Golden Jubilee this year.
The other two books are Buku Evolusi Kuala Lumpur and Buku Sungai Nadi Kehidupan.
“Kuala Lumpur is a vital part of national history and our Golden Jubilee celebration this year has to reflect its evolution over the years.
“This includes efforts to publish books that tell the story of 1,001 achievements and events of Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) over the past 50 years,” said Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Mahadi Che Ngah during his opening speech at the book launch.
“Take Buku Evolusi Kuala Lumpur for example, which features a collection of stories from former DBKL top management members, who were willing to share their experiences serving the people as DBKL officers.
“These are valuable historical records that can be used as reference and inspiration for young leaders in DBKL,” he added.
The book launch also revealed a time capsule that immortalises the efforts of DBKL in these 50 years.
“This capsule will be opened by the future mayor on Feb 1, 2047 in conjunction with Kuala Lumpur’s Diamond Jubilee.
“I will write a letter to the future mayor and through this capsule, I hope that DBKL’s vision to make Kuala Lumpur a sustainable, liveable, prosperous, inclusive and carbon-neutral city can be achieved by 2050,” Mahadi said.
The books can be found at all Pustaka@KL libraries.
