Known as one of the oldest areas in Kuala Lumpur, Pudu has witnessed tremendous changes, especially in the past few decades. Based on City & Country’s observation during a recent visit, nearly half of the area has modern skyscrapers while the other half comprises ageing pre- and post-war shophouses that have served generations of consumers.
“Pudu used to be very chaotic, it was constantly packed. Traffic congestion was an issue and the air pollution was terrible as well. But that didn’t stop people from coming to the area, so it always had this hustle-and-bustle feeling,” says Jayna, a frequent visitor of the area.
Previously a mining and brick manufacturing district, Pudu’s origins can be traced back to the 1800s. According to Rahim & Co International Sdn Bhd director of research Sulaiman Saheh, the British set up brick manufacturing factories in the area in the 1880s and built the now-demolished Pudu Jail in 1891, after industrial activities in the area were halted.
