Menara Condong Teluk Intan

One of the main attractions of Teluk Intan is The Leaning Clock Tower. This tower 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 himes 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.
The location of 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.
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. When contractor Leong Choon Cheong wanted to build this clock tower, it
was undeniable that the Britsh 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 Governement. During the Japanese administration, this building was used by the Japanese
soldiers as a control tower to watch for enemies.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 faade 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.

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,commemorate the British Administration,and as a Time Keeper
and identity of Teluk Intan. The architect is 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.
HISTORY OF USAGE/ RENTAL:
1. 1940 - Scout's Office on the 2nd floor
2. 1977 to 1992 - National Family Planning Board