Menara Condong Teluk Intan, Perak

About Menara Condong Teluk Intan Malaysia

One of the main attractions is the Leaning Clock Tower. Menara Condong Teluk Intan was built by a Chinese architect Mr. Leong Choon Cheong and it also acts as a reservoir to supply water to the residents and also acts as a clock tower.

This tower no longer holds water but the clock still functions and chimes every 15 minutes. The area surrounding the tower has been restored with bricks and now is being used as a plaza for various formal or informal activities.

A road in the city centre of Teluk Intan is named Jalan Ah Cheong to recognize Mr Leong Choon Cheong who builts that tower.

Menara Condong Teluk Intan: The Location

This clock tower is situated between the intersection of the square plaza which is Jalan Pasar and Jalan Ah Cheong with Jalan Selat and Jalan Bandar on left and right side of tower.

Built In Year

Menara Condong Teluk Intan is built in 1892.

Architect

Unknown but according to records, “A hundred years of Ceylonese in Malaysia and Singapore” (1867-1967), Mr S.Sabapathy (Asst Engineer), P.W.D. Teluk Intan, helped in the construction.

List of Donors

A Chinese contractor known as Leong Choon Cheong and a Ceylonese contractor built and were the main donors. Donations from the residents purchased the Key Clock from London made by J.W Benson-Ludgatehill London.

The Purpose of Building Menara Condong Teluk Intan

Through research made on the Leaning Clock Tower that was known as Tall Clock, the reasons and motives of building it was as follows:

• as a fire extinguisher in case of fire
• as a reservoir for the residents in case of drought
• to commemorate the British Administration
• as Timekeeper and identity of Teluk Intan

History of Ownership

When contractor Leong Choon Cheong wanted to build this clock tower, it was undeniable that the British was the owner and the administrator at that time. After independence in 1957, this clock tower automatically becomes national property and now it is under the authority of Perak Government.

During the Japanese administration, this building was used by the Japanese soldiers as a control tower to watch for enemies.

History of Usage / Rental

1. 1940 – Scout’s Office on the 2nd floor
2. 1977 to 1992 – National Family Planning Board

Description of Style

With careful examination, the Leaning Clock Tower has the biggest influence of Chinese Architecture. This is because of the Pagoda concept. Even if it was built during the British administration, the Chinese influence, donors and contractors succeeded to fight for their culture.

It is obviously shown on the external façade like the gate, tiled roof and its tiled decorations, proves how rich the Chinese architectural and culture are. From the outside, this building looks like it is an eight (8) storey building; but actually, it only has three (3) floors.

This clock tower has 110 steps that connect each floor that is 15.5′ high. The wonders of this building architecture is that it is made from wood and stone structure; there is a passage which is 6’ft wide with a 2’ft wide wall that is decorated with green stones.

The detailed architectural and the planning of space can be seen from the adaption of its usage as a water tank on the 3rd floor that was made from pieces of steel as high as 16 ft and volume of 680 cubic feet. The bottom part on the building measures at central line 43 ft and it stands at 27ft upwards.

Leaning Factor

The building was built on a soft land structure and also the weight of the water tank that was holding water made it lean to the west.