Clock towers have both functional and aesthetic purposes. Ewe Paik Leong goes in search of famous and not-so-famous clock towers in the Klang Valley.
1. MARKET SQUARE CLOCK TOWER, MEDAN PASAR, KL
Standing at 7.6m high, this four-faced free-standing clock tower was built in 1937 to commemorate the coronation of King George VI. It was designed by British architect Arthur Oakley Coltman, who arrived in Kuala Lumpur in 1925 and retired in 1957. After the country’s independence, the commemorative plaques were removed.
The sunburst motif on its four sides exemplified an art deco style which was popular during that era.
2. CLOCK TOWER, JALAN TUN RAZAK, KL
This un-named tower stands on a road island near Tabung Haji Building in Jalan Tun Razak, KL. Perched on a four-level crepidoma, the tower is a two-tiered structure capped by a pavilion roof. Rectangular wrought iron frames with arabesque motifs on four sides give the illusion of doors. The exposed clock faces display Arabic numerals and below them are digital thermometers. Decorative non-functional balconies stand on the upper projecting cornices.
3. SHAH ALAM SQUARE CLOCK TOWER, PERSIARAN SULTAN, SHAH ALAM
This 15.2m-tall clock tower is also a tourist information centre. Its dome rests on an octagonal base followed by another lower smaller section of similar shape. This smaller octagonal section is decorated with Islamic-styled eight-pointed stars and it sits on a square flat base adorned with four acroteria at its corners. An acroterion is a hallmark of classical architecture. However, the acroteria of this tower are Malay in design. Then the tower tapers downward in notches and its four clock faces feature Roman numerals.
4. WISMA PUTRA CLOCK TOWER, JALAN WISMA PUTRA, PUTRAJAYA
This clock tower rising from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building can be spotted half-a-kilometre away. Its green two-tiered pitched roof rests on a smaller square section adorned with copper-coloured panels of arabesque motifs. This square section sits on a base from which a metal pole rises to proudly display the Jalur Gemilang. The clock face uses Roman numerals.
5. PULLMAN HOTEL CLOCK TOWER, JALAN P5/5, PUTRAJAYA
Located in the compound of the Pullman Hotel, this five-tiered clock tower in honey-beige resembles the Leaning Tower Of Pisa. The first four circular sections taper upward and comprise lancet-shaped arches. Railings on each level are in umber. The final section is square and is capped by a pitched roof with a finial. The clock faces use Roman numerals. At night, the tower and the clock faces are lighted up.
6. PERDANA BOTANICAL GARDEN CLOCK TOWER, JALAN PARLIMEN, KL
At the turnoff to Perdana Botanical Garden, a two-tiered clock tower tells visitors the time. It was built by DBKL as indicated by a plaque of its logo. A lattice framework of geometric motifs around a focal lancet design covers each and every side at the lower section of the tower. These are complemented by similar lattice frameworks on the upper section of the tower. A rotunda roof in red adds an eye-catching finishing touch to the tower.
7. CENTRE POINT CLOCK TOWER, LEBUH BANDAR UTAMA, PJ
At the road entrance to Centre Point, a shopping mall in Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya, is a clock tower covered with advertising signages. There are two clock faces, of which one needs maintenance as the hands are not visible. Roman numerals are used on the clock faces.
8. SULTAN ABDUL SAMAD CLOCK TOWER, JALAN RAJA, KL
Kuala Lumpur’s most photographed clock tower is the one at Sultan Abdul Samad Building on Jalan Raja. Capped by a dome with a finial, the clock-face section of the tower features ogee-shaped pediments. The round clock faces display Roman numerals. Projecting decorative cornices give a visual break between the clock-face section and the tower proper. The entire structure is 41m high.
9. MBPJ CLOCK TOWER, JALAN YONG SHOOK LIN, PJ
The MBPJ Clock Tower rises from the central portion of the MBPJ headquarters building. It is a simplistic structure bearing the acronym of the Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya in yellow. Though the clock tower may not hold much interest, it overlooks a small park with neatly trimmed lawns, water features and giant-sized replica bicycles.
10. PKGR CLOCK TOWER, TANJUNG HARAPAN, PORT KLANG
The acronym PKGR on the clock tower at the esplanade in Tanjung Harapan stands for Port Klang Golf Resort. The structure stands on a three-level crepidoma and is fitted with a clock face using Arabic numerals. A popular spot for selfies, this clock tower faces the entrance to the Port Klang Golf Resort across the road.