The Royal Malaysian Police Museum in Kuala Lumpur is a an offbeat yet interesting gem, especially for those keen to learn more about the work and history of Malaysian police. Situated in Jalan Perdana, the museum is in the cluster of the city’s most famous attractions – the Planetarium and Islamic Arts Museum are within the vicinity – although if you’re not careful, you might drive just right past it! Previously an archive of criminal evidence for police trainees’ references, the museum has been revamped to accommodate more exhibits, and has been relocated to its current spot from its previous one at Police Training Centre in Jalan Semarak.
Sporting a slightly traditional look, with its arrow-shaped wooden structure, the museum encompasses three galleries, aptly named ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’. Gallery A takes you through the history of the formation of the police squad in Malaysia, from the days of Federated and Unfederated Malay States to the current country structure, in a form of exhibits of official police uniforms and traditional weaponry such as kris (prized asymmetrical daggers) and cannons. Those who are interested in the early days of the Malacca Sultanate empire can also learn about its history and downfall, through paintings, drawings and weaponry displays.
Gallery B focuses more on the official vehicles and evidence of kept by the Royal Malaysian Police squad. Notable exhibits include confiscated weapons of triads and secret societies that used to wreck havoc in the country, with highlights being handmade gadgets from the Botak Chin clan that used to conduct armed robberies back in 1970’s. Gallery C meanwhile offers a more in-depth explanation of the role of the police during several catastrophes in Malaya, namely the Japanese Occupation period and the infamous Bukit Kepong tragedy, a 1950 armed encounter between the Federation of Malaya Police and Malaya Communist Party.
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