ARCHITECTURE IN MALAYSIA

Putra mosque

In Malaysia, Chinese architecture is of two broad types: traditional and Baba-Nyonya. Examples of traditional architecture include Chinese temples found throughout the country such as the Cheng Hoon Teng that dates back to 1646. Many old houses especially those in Melaka and Penang are of Baba-Nyonya heritage, built with indoor courtyards and beautiful, colourful tiles.

With most of Malaysian Hindus originally from Southern India, local Hindu temples exhibit the colourful architecture of that region. Built in the late nineteenth century, the Sri Mahamariamman Temple in Kuala Lumpur is one of the most ornate and elaborate Hindu temples in the country. The detailed decorative scheme for the temple incorporates intricate carvings, gold embellishments, hand-painted motifs and exquisite tiles from Italy and Spain. The Sikhs, although a small minority, also have their temples of more staid design in many parts of the country.

Two unique architectural highlights of the indigenous peoples of Sabah and Sarawak are longhouses and water villages. Homes to interior riverine tribes, longhouses are traditional community homes. These elongated and stilted structures, often built of axe-hewn timber, tied with creeper fibre and roofed with woven atap or thatched leaves, can house between 20 to 100 families. Rustic water villages built on stilts are also commonly found along riverbanks and seafronts. Houses are linked by plank walkways with boats anchored on the sides. Transport around the village is usually by sampan or canoe.

Traditional Architecture in Malaysia

Traditional Malay architecture employs sophisticated architectural processes ideally suited to tropical conditions such as structures built on stilts, which allow cross-ventilating breeze beneath the dwelling to cool the house whilst mitigating the effects of the occasional flood.

Modern replica of the 15th century Malacca palace

High-pitched roofs and large windows not only allow cross-ventilation but are also carved with intricate organic designs. Traditional houses in Negeri Sembilan were built of hardwood and entirely free of nails. They are built using beams, which are held together by wedges. A beautiful example of this type of architecture can be seen in the Old Palace of Seri Menanti in Negeri Sembilan, which was built around 1905. [Source: Malaysia Government Tourism]

Today, many Malay or Islamic buildings incorporate Moorish design elements as can be seen in the Islamic Arts Museum and a number of buildings in Putrajaya - the new administrative capital, and many mosques throughout the country. Moorish architecture hails from North Africa and Spain. Characteristic elements include muqarnas, horseshoe arches, voussoirs, domes, crenellated arches, lancet arches, ogee arches, courtyards, and decorative tile work.

Colonial Architecture in Malaysia

The architectural styles of the different colonial powers are used in many buildings built between 1511 and 1957. The best examples of colonial architecture in Malaysia are found in Melaka (Malacca). Melaka and George Town have developed over 500 years of trading and cultural exchanges between East and West in the Straits of Malacca. The influences of Asia and Europe have endowed these towns with a specific multicultural heritage; of government buildings, churches, squares and fortifications. Melaka demonstrates the early stages of this history originating in the 15th-century Malay sultanate and the Portuguese and Dutch periods beginning in the early 16th century while the residential and commercial buildings of George Town represents the British era from the end of the 18th century to the middle of the 20th century. Together they constitute a unique architectural townscape without parallel anywhere in East and Southeast Asia and have been recognised as the World Heritage listed, ‘Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca.’

The most notable example of Portuguese architecture in Malaysia is the A'Famosa fort in Melaka, which was built by Alfonso d'Albuquerque in 1511. Nearly annihilated by the Dutch, only a small part of the fortification is still on the hill overlooking the Melaka town, old port and the Straits of Melaka.

There are several examples of Dutch architecture in Melaka. The Stadthuys with its heavy wooden doors, thick red walls and wrought-iron hinges is the most imposing relic of the Dutch period in Melaka. It is a fine example of Dutch masonry and woodworking skills. Built between 1641 and 1660 it is believed to be the oldest building in the East.

Among the most significant landmarks built by the British is theSultan Abdul Samad Building, which grandly overlooks the Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur. This Moorish beauty, completed in 1897, served as the Colonial Secretariat offices during the British administration. Pre-Merdeka or pre-independence shophouses still emanate the characteristic charm of their earlier days. A display of English ingenuity is the 'five-foot-way' or covered sidewalk designed to shield pedestrians from the heat and rain.

Malaysian Architecture and Climate

In their paper “Malaysian Architectural Identity,” Wan Sharizatul Suraya and Wan Mohd Rashdi wrote: “In hot and wet climate country, spaciousness and wind orientation are essential design considerations as these allow ventilation in designing a building, referring to Malaysian traditional house, long overhangs, large and many windows, screens, and high pitched roofs are elements resulting comfort and ease of the residents. [Source: Wan Sharizatul Suraya bt Wan Mohd Rashdi, Malaysian Architectural Identity, April 11, 2013 ]

“The basic concept demands that direct sunshine and heat be kept out, as much the rain. Roof are often steeply pitched to facilitate water drainage and to provide a large, ventilated roof space below which allows warm air to dissipate and the building to keep cool. Large overhangs prevent rain from entering, offer sun shading, and reduce unwanted glare.

The Salinger House has wide overhanging roof eaves to protect windows from sun and rain. Multi paneled, fenestration carvings or louvres are designed to encourage air movements, and gaps under the roof also allowing air to enter the house.

Modern Malaysian Architecture

In their paper “Malaysian Architectural Identity,” Wan Sharizatul Suraya and Wan Mohd Rashdi wrote: “Malaysian architecture shows Malaysian daily life and Malaysian aspirations. An example is National Mosque which is one of the most prominent building in Malaysia, it was built when Malaysia in the need of independence and freedom symbol. The National Mosque was one of the best mosque designs that reflect Malaysian identity (Tajuddin Mohd. Rasdi, 2000). Having a humble approach in its expression and uniqueness in the design of the roof folded plate; a metaphor of royal umbrella used in palace. Symbolically, it is meant as the leader of all other mosques. But the problem arises in the issue of Malaysian architectural identity is; we may be preoccupied away with technology and modern approach and at the same time, we neglect to think the needs of the buildings and the public aspirations. [Source: Wan Sharizatul Suraya bt Wan Mohd Rashdi, Malaysian Architectural Identity, April 11, 2013 ]

“Among the most prominent examples of buildings that support the quest for Malaysian identity in architecture are Tabung Haji, Maybank, and Telekom Towers. These are the buildings of the 80’s and 90’that show the identity of architecture through their unique shape of form and building designs. In the ongoing search for a Malaysian architectural identity, vernacular revivalism, Islamic symbolism and tropical design have all entered the vocabulary. The adaptation of vernacular architecture to modern building design is most evident in resort hotels which strive to offer guests an environment that reflects the surrounding cultural heritage but has yet to find its place in commercial or residential architecture.

“The most outstanding buildings in reflecting those elements are National Mosque; design with the umbrella shape roof, act as the best form, reflecting the unique Malaysian identity, Lembaga Urusan Tabung Haji (LUTH) building; define with its uniqueness sleek shape, interpreting Islamic features with the combination of “Jawi” inscription and five pillars of faith of Islam concept at the structural elements, Dayabumi Complex; distinguish as one of the Malaysia’s landmark is an adaptation of Islamic arches at the floor level and Islamic motifs on the grille design which also function as sun shading devices, and last review is Putra World Trade Center; utilizing the Malay vernacular pitch roof at the building roof, step amidst the high rise surroundings. All buildings characteristic, exhibit regional character which definitely show Malaysian identity.

“Designs which interpret Malaysian culture in buildings would have a concept that is being identified as Malaysian. For examples when public see some important buildings in Malaysia, they can interpret the concepts such as Malaysian dagger (keris) for Maybank Tower and fish trap (bubu ikan) or savings box (tabung) for LUTH building. These all happens because when the architect designs the building, they incorporated in mind that they are designing for the people and what public want to see. In fact, the actual architect doesn’t design towards such concepts to those building mentioned. Accidentally, they were interpreted as those symbolisms by the public.

“Some buildings attempt to show Malaysia is a multiracial and multicultural community. The building serves the nation as a symbol of pride and expression of freedom. One of the examples is Central Market “Pasar Seni”. Indeed, this building is a symbol of multiracial, culture and custom of Malaysian being put in one place. The mix of all multiracial people in Malaysia becomes the identity in Malaysian architecture.

“National Art Gallery, with “long ridge roof” adapted from traditional Malays house is a building that serves art expressionist and public who love art. The building exhibits all kinds of art from all ethnicity. National Museum, the building façade show the Malaysian lives also using art expression; wall paintings, design with pitched roof; again symbol of traditional Malay houses. National Theater (Istana Budaya) was influenced with ‘sirih junjung’ at the roof design. The building portrays national identity with theater play either internationally or locally. The theater show Malaysian ways of life to others.

“The National Library uses the concept of a traditional ‘folded bracket head gear’ (songket tengkolok) in showing its importance as it being put at the head of men. These elements can be seen from the exterior view. While the National Science Centre shows the science concept of the building, it applies the usage of ‘geodesic domes’ a top of a circular base. Tay Kheng Soon’s (1983) research found that: Certain themes in the folk arts, such as the repetitive versions of the star pattern and scroll forms, reminiscent of vegetable forms are also widespread, and continue to be used to this date. “

Petronas Towers

The Petronas Twin Towers were the tallest buildings in the world from 1998 to 2004. They officially took the title upon completion in 1998 from the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) and held it until surpassed by Taipei 101 in 2004. The Petronas Twin Tower are built using high technology and western materials but the building were designed with local ornamentation such as star pattern and adapted our climate with its sun shading devices.

Rising to a height of 451.9 meters (1,483 feet), the 88-storey Petronas Twin Towers is Kuala Lumpur's most impressive sight and is a symbol of the nation. Majestic by day and dazzling at night, the towers is inspired by Tun Mahathir Mohamad's vision for Malaysia to be a global player. Together with master architect Cesar Pelli, the international icon powerfully captures the nation's ambitions and aspirations. [Source: Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board]

Petronas Twin Towers by one reckoning became world’s tallest buildings from 1995, when they were designated as such by the United States-based Council of Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat. By another reckoning they became world’s tallest building in 1998 when they were completed. The towers remained the world’s tallest buildings until 2004 when they were displaced by Tapei 101, a skyscraper in Taiwan. Built a cost of $1.2 billion, Petronas is 9 meters (29 feet) taller than the 110-floor, 1,454 feet (442-meter) Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) in Chicago, the previous claimant to world's tallest building title.

A visit to Petronas Twin Towers begins with interactive displays that showcase the journey, from idea to completion. After that you ride a futurist elevator up 170 meters to the Skybridge, a connecting structure between the towers and the world's highest two-storey bridge. You can ascend even higher to level 86, where there are breathtaking views of Kuala Lumpur.

the building is under construction now and is far from being completed

Image Sources: Wikimedia Commons

Text Sources: “Encyclopedia of World Cultures Volume 5: East/Southeast Asia:” edited by Paul Hockings; 1993; New York Times; Washington Post; Los Angeles Times; Smithsonian magazine; Encyclopedia.com; National Geographic; Live Science; Malaysia Tourism websites; Malaysia government websites; UNESCO; Metropolitan Museum of Art; Natural History magazine; Times of London; Library of Congress; The Conversation; The New Yorker; Time; BBC; CNN; Reuters; Associated Press; AFP; Lonely Planet Guides; Google AI; Wikipedia; The Guardian and various websites; books and other publications.

Last updated May 2026