Pudu Prison, a historical landmark nestled in the bustling city of Kuala Lumpur, has a rich and complex history. Constructed in the late 19th century during the British colonial era, this imposing structure has borne witness to Malaysia’s tumultuous past.

The prison was notorious for its austere conditions. The cells were small and cramped, each equipped with a window barely the size of a shoebox. This tiny window was the prisoners’ only connection to the outside world, a stark reminder of their confinement.

One of the most infamous chapters in the history of Pudu Prison was the execution of two Australian nationals, Kevin John Barlow and Brian Geoffrey Shergold Chambers. Arrested in 1983 for trafficking heroin, their case drew international attention. Despite pleas for clemency from various quarters, they were executed in 1986, marking the first execution of Westerners under Malaysia’s stringent anti-drug laws.

Pudu Prison was also known for its extensive mural. Painted along the length of the prison wall, it depicted a lush rainforest scene, a stark contrast to the grim realities within the prison walls. This mural, at one point, held the record for being the world’s longest.

After serving as a correctional facility for over a century, Pudu Prison was officially closed in 1996. The prisoners were transferred to other facilities, and the prison was subsequently used as a holding facility for prisoners attending court hearings until 2009.

Today, where the formidable walls of Pudu Prison once stood, now stands the Bukit Bintang City Centre complex and a Japanese shopping mall, LaLaport. This transformation is a testament to Kuala Lumpur’s urban development. Yet, the preserved prison gate serves as a poignant reminder of the city’s past.

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Photographed in Malaysia by Mike Fernandes