# Gurdwara Sahib Police Parliament Kuala Lumpur - History, Timings & Visitor Guide | GurdwaraSahib.in > Gurdwara Sahib Police Parliament KL – Malaysia's oldest gurdwara (est. 1890), built by the Federated Malay States Police. Timings, history & visitor guide. # Gurdwara Sahib Police Parliament Kuala Lumpur Get Directions Share: Entry: Dress Code: Gurdwara Sahib Police Parliament Kuala Lumpur, located at No. 3, Jalan Parliament, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, is one of the most historically significant Sikh places of worship in Southeast Asia. Established in 1890 during the British colonial era, it holds the distinction of being the first Sikh police gurdwara in Kuala Lumpur and, remarkably, the oldest gurdwara in Malaysia that still retains its original 19th-century structure. This makes it not only a living place of active worship but also an irreplaceable architectural and cultural heritage site. Nestled near the Malaysian Houses of Parliament, the Perdana Botanical Garden (formerly Lake Gardens), and the Masjid Negara, this unassuming yet deeply venerated gurdwara stands as a living monument to the extraordinary contribution of Sikhs to the Federated Malay States Police force. At the height of Sikh service in colonial Malaya, Sikhs constituted more than half of the entire FMS Police strength, and the colonial government recognised their spiritual needs by constructing dedicated places of worship. The Jalan Parliament gurdwara was the first and most enduring of these establishments. Unlike many modern gurdwaras that have been rebuilt or heavily renovated over the decades, Gurdwara Sahib Police Parliament retains its colonial-era character — its simple, whitewashed structure standing in dignified contrast to the busy government district that surrounds it. This architectural continuity is itself a form of heritage preservation, connecting the present community to its 19th-century origins. The gurdwara primarily serves the spiritual needs of Sikh personnel in the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) and their families, though all are welcome to attend. Located within a police compound, it maintains an intimate, community-focused character that distinguishes it from larger, more publicly accessible gurdwaras across Malaysia. Worshippers gather every Sunday morning from 5:00 AM to 8:00 AM for Asa Di War Kirtan — the morning hymns — followed by Katha (scriptural discourse) and Ardas (congregational prayer). On the first Friday of each month, the Sikh Naujawan (youth) programme is held at noon, after which Guru ka Langar, the blessed community meal, is served to all present. The congregation is a close-knit community of serving and retired Sikh police officers, their families, and devoted members of the wider Kuala Lumpur Sikh community. Visitors wishing to attend are advised to contact the Gurdwara Sahib Management Committee or arrange entry through the police force, as the gurdwara is situated within a police area. For devotees, historians, and heritage enthusiasts alike, this gurdwara offers a rare and irreplaceable window into over 130 years of Sikh faith, service, and sacrifice in Malaysia. ## Significance Gurdwara Sahib Police Parliament Kuala Lumpur carries profound religious and cultural significance for the Sikh community of Malaysia and the broader Sikh diaspora. As the oldest continuously standing gurdwara in Malaysia that maintains its original structure, it is revered as a heritage shrine and a symbol of Sikh endurance and faith in a land far from Punjab. Like all gurdwaras, it enshrines the Guru Granth Sahib Ji — the eternal living Guru of the Sikhs — and daily observances follow the traditions established through the lineage of the ten Sikh Gurus, particularly Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The Sunday morning Asa Di War Kirtan programme, one of the most spiritually significant recitations in Sikh tradition, forms the centrepiece of weekly devotion here. Beyond its purely religious function, the gurdwara is deeply intertwined with the identity of Sikh Malaysians who served in the nation's police force. Generations of Sikh officers have prayed at this gurdwara before and during their service — making it a site of both spiritual and professional significance. Sikh leaders have described the temple as embodying the value of seva (selfless service), which is central to Sikh teaching, noting that duty and devotion are inseparably linked in the Sikh tradition. The gurdwara also serves as an institutional memory of the Sikh contribution to Malaysia — a community that helped build the foundations of the modern Malaysian state through dedicated policing and civil service. Efforts by organisations such as the Pulapol Sikhs project are underway to document the gurdwara's history and celebrate the lives of Sikh police personnel, ensuring that this legacy is preserved for future generations. The gurdwara thus functions as a place of pilgrimage not just for the devout, but for those seeking to understand the rich multicultural fabric of Malaysian history. ## Nearby Gurdwaras ![Gurdwara Sahib Police High Street Kualalumpur](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/thumb.php?f=Gurdwara%20Jalan%20Balai%20Polis%201.jpg&w=600) ### Gurdwara Sahib Police High Street Kualalumpur Malaysia 1.4 km away Open daily; main Diwan (congregation) ty... Gurdwara Sahib Police High Street Kuala Lumpur is one of the oldest and most historically significant Sikh places of worship in Malaysia, standing as a living testament to the enduring legacy of the Sikh community's contribution to law enforcement in colonial and post-colonial Malaya. Located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur near the historic district of Petaling Street, this gurdwara was established in 1898 by the Federated Malay States (FMS) Police, making it the second police gurdwara to be constructed in the Malayan peninsula. The first had been established in 1890 at Jalan Parlimen, also in Kuala Lumpur. The gurdwara's origins are deeply intertwined with the history of Sikh migration to Southeast Asia. Beginning in the 1870s, Captain Tristram Speedy, a British officer and former police superintendent, initiated the recruitment of Punjabi Sikhs to serve in the Malayan police force. These early recruits were initially deployed to assist Ngah Ibrahim, the territorial chief of Larut in Perak, in restoring order amidst conflicts between rival Chinese triads competing for control of tin mining operations. Their discipline, loyalty, and capability proved so valuable that Sikh officers soon became an integral part of the FMS Police, eventually comprising more than half of the force's total personnel at the time of the gurdwara's construction. The gurdwara served not merely as a spiritual refuge but as a multifunctional community hub for Sikh police personnel and their families. Over the decades, it provided temporary accommodation for officers between postings, hosted what is believed to be the first Punjabi-medium school in Malaya during the 1930s, and functioned as a centre for religious ceremonies and social gatherings. Its langar hall — the communal kitchen that is a hallmark of every Sikh gurdwara — has long served free meals to devotees, visitors, and the wider community regardless of faith or background, embodying the Sikh principle of seva. Despite its age and undeniable historical value, the gurdwara has faced challenges in securing formal heritage recognition, which would enable more comprehensive restoration efforts. Termite damage to wooden ceilings and walls, as well as general structural deterioration, has been a concern for community leaders and preservationists. Advocacy for its gazettement as a national heritage site has been ongoing, with supporters citing that the structure has stood for more than 125 years and represents a unique confluence of Sikh, British colonial, and Malaysian institutional history. Today, Gurdwara Sahib Police High Street continues to serve the Sikh community of Kuala Lumpur as an active place of worship, a repository of living history, and a symbol of the Sikh people's deep-rooted connection to Malaysia's cultural and institutional development. Historical ![Gurdwara Guru Nanak Darbar Tat Khalsa Dewan](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/thumb.php?f=Gurdwara%20Guru%20Nanak%20Darbar%20Tat%20Khalsa%20Dewan.jpg&w=600) ### Gurdwara Guru Nanak Darbar Tat Khalsa Dewan Malaysia 1.8 km away Open daily; prayers commence from early ... Gurdwara Guru Nanak Darbar Tat Khalsa Dewan — formally known as Sri Guru Nanak Darbar Tatt Khalsa Diwan Selangor — stands as the largest Sikh gurdwara in Malaysia and, by land size, in the whole of Southeast Asia. Situated at 24, Jalan Raja Alang in the Chow Kit district of Kuala Lumpur, this magnificent place of worship serves as the spiritual and cultural heartland for Malaysia's approximately 75,000 Sikhs, as well as an open sanctuary for people of all faiths and backgrounds. The gurdwara is set within the bustling urban fabric of Kuala Lumpur's Chow Kit neighborhood, yet it radiates an unmistakable serenity that draws worshippers, pilgrims, and curious visitors alike. Its soaring domes and gleaming facades offer a striking visual counterpoint to the city skyline, and it has long been one of the most photographed religious sites in the Malaysian capital. The main building backs onto Wisma Tatt Khalsa, a multi-storey commercial complex facing Jalan Raja Bot, giving the institution both a religious and community-facing character. At the heart of the gurdwara is the Darbar Sahib on the first floor, where the Guru Granth Sahib Ji — the eternal living Guru and holy scripture of the Sikhs — is enshrined with the utmost reverence. The ground floor houses a generous langar hall and kitchen, where free community meals are prepared and served three times daily to all who come, irrespective of religion, caste, or nationality. A basement car park accommodates the steady stream of visitors and worshippers. The gurdwara is governed by the Tatt Khalsa Diwan Selangor, one of the oldest Sikh religious organizations in the region, which has steered the institution's affairs since its formal establishment in 1919. The institution also administers educational programs, including Gurmukhi and Punjabi language classes, upholding the tradition set by its founders of nurturing both spiritual and intellectual development in the Sikh diaspora. Welcoming all visitors seven days a week, the gurdwara offers a rare experience of inclusive hospitality: its langar is open to everyone, its prayer hall is accessible to those of any faith, and its atmosphere of calm devotion — marked by the continuous recitation of Gurbani — provides solace amidst the energy of Kuala Lumpur. Whether one comes to pray, to eat, to learn, or simply to witness one of Southeast Asia's most significant Sikh institutions, the Guru Nanak Darbar Tatt Khalsa Diwan delivers an experience of rare spiritual and cultural depth. Historical ### Gurdwara Sahib Sentul Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 3.4 km away Gurdwara Sahib Sentul is a community gurdwara that serves as a center for worship, congregation, and social services for the local Sikh community located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It is situated in Malaysia, where the Sikh community has deep historical roots dating back to the British colonial period. As with all gurdwaras, Gurdwara Sahib Sentul welcomes visitors of all faiths and backgrounds. The gurdwara serves as a place of worship where the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy scripture of the Sikhs) is kept with great reverence. The community gathers here for daily prayers (Nitnem), Kirtan (devotional singing of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib), and Katha (religious discourse). The gurdwara operates a Langar (community kitchen) where free vegetarian meals are served to all visitors regardless of religion, caste, gender, economic status, or ethnicity. This practice, established by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and formalized by Guru Angad Dev Ji, embodies the Sikh principles of equality, sharing, and selfless service (Seva). Community ### Gurdwara Sahib Ampang Majlis Perbandaran Ampang Jaya, Malaysia 7.0 km away Gurdwara Sahib Ampang is a community gurdwara that serves as a center for worship, congregation, and social services for the local Sikh community located in Malaysia. It is situated in Malaysia, where the Sikh community has deep historical roots dating back to the British colonial period. As with all gurdwaras, Gurdwara Sahib Ampang welcomes visitors of all faiths and backgrounds. The gurdwara serves as a place of worship where the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy scripture of the Sikhs) is kept with great reverence. The community gathers here for daily prayers (Nitnem), Kirtan (devotional singing of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib), and Katha (religious discourse). The gurdwara operates a Langar (community kitchen) where free vegetarian meals are served to all visitors regardless of religion, caste, gender, economic status, or ethnicity. This practice, established by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and formalized by Guru Angad Dev Ji, embodies the Sikh principles of equality, sharing, and selfless service (Seva). Community ## Detailed History The origins of Gurdwara Sahib Police Parliament Kuala Lumpur trace back to the late 19th century and the remarkable story of Sikh migration to British Malaya. The first Sikhs to arrive in Malaya came in 1849, brought as political deportees by British authorities. Subsequently, from 1865 onwards, Sikhs were actively recruited into the British colonial police and military services throughout the Federated Malay States (FMS). Their reputation for discipline, loyalty, and martial prowess made them ideal recruits, and by the 1890s, Sikhs formed the backbone of the FMS Police — at one point constituting more than half of the entire force. In 1890, the Federated Malay States Government formally constructed a Gurdwara Sahib on the grounds of the Police Depot at Bluff Road (present-day Bukit Aman, the site of the Royal Malaysian Police Headquarters) to serve the religious, social, and cultural needs of Sikh officers and their families. This was the first dedicated Sikh police gurdwara built in Kuala Lumpur. It was maintained entirely by the FMS Police — repairs were carried out by the Public Works Department (PWD), and the Granthi (scripture reader) was engaged and paid from police funds. In October 1940, the Police Depot relocated to Gurney Road (now known as Jalan Semarak). The original Bluff Road premises, including the Sikh Temple on what is now Jalan Parliament, were handed over to the Sikh Guard and Escort Company. The gurdwara continued its religious services through the turbulent years of World War II, Japanese occupation (1941–1945), and Malayan independence in 1957. In 1961, Sikh personnel of the Sikh Guard and Escort Company secured a ten-year lease for the Gurdwara Sahib land at Jalan Parliament from the Commissioner of Land, Selangor. When this lease expired in 1971, the authorities declined to extend it, setting off a prolonged period of legal uncertainty. The Gurdwara Sahib Management Committee appealed to the Menteri Besar (Chief Minister) of Selangor for an extension, but the appeal was not acted upon. On 10 May 1982, the Director of Lands and Mines of the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur served a formal notice on the Management Committee, directing that the building be removed as it occupied government land without authorisation. On 5 June 1982, the Management Committee, represented by solicitors Messrs Balwant Singh & Sons, countered with an appeal requesting either continued occupancy at the current site or the provision of a suitable alternative site with government financial assistance to construct a new building. Between 1989 and 1999, several proposals and counterproposals regarding alternative land failed to materialise. Despite these challenges, the gurdwara has remained standing and active to this day, a testament to the perseverance and deep spiritual commitment of the Sikh community in Malaysia. ## Structures in the Complex ### Main Darbar Sahib prayer_hall The central prayer hall housing the Guru Granth Sahib Ji beneath a ceremonial canopy (Palki Sahib). As the oldest original-structure gurdwara in Malaysia, the Darbar Sahib retains its colonial-era character. It is where Kirtan, Katha, and Ardas take place during all religious programmes. ### Langar Hall langar_hall The community kitchen and dining area where Guru ka Langar — the free community meal — is prepared and served, particularly on the first Friday of each month and during major festivals. The Langar embodies the Sikh principle of equality, welcoming all visitors regardless of background. ### Entrance and Shoe Rack Area entrance The main entrance to the gurdwara where visitors remove their shoes and cover their heads as required by Sikh tradition. The entrance reflects the humble, colonial institutional architecture of the original 1890 structure. ### Police Compound Grounds museum The surrounding police compound within which the gurdwara is situated provides historical context. The area is associated with over a century of Sikh police service in Malaysia, and the gurdwara management is working to document and preserve this institutional memory, including through the ongoing Pulapol Sikhs documentation project. ## Visitor Information ### Dress Code Head covering required (scarves provided for visitors), remove shoes before entering, modest and respectful clothing ### Photography Respectful photography is generally permitted in common areas; seek permission before photographing inside the Darbar Sahib ### Etiquette Wash hands before entering the Darbar Sahib; sit respectfully on the floor; do not turn your back to the Guru Granth Sahib Ji; alcohol and tobacco strictly prohibited; all visitors welcome to partake in Langar ## Climate & Best Time to Visit ## Langar (Free Community Kitchen) Serves the immediate congregation and guests; capacity believed to be a few dozen to approximately 100 persons given the modest premises Seating Capacity ## Architecture Gurdwara Sahib Police Parliament Kuala Lumpur is distinguished primarily by its historical authenticity — it is widely recognised as the oldest gurdwara in Malaysia that still maintains its original structure dating to 1890. Built by the Public Works Department (PWD) of the Federated Malay States colonial administration, the building reflects the functional, colonial-era institutional architecture typical of late 19th-century British Malaya. The structure is modest in scale, befitting its origins as a dedicated place of worship within a police compound rather than a grand public temple. It features the characteristic whitewashed exterior walls common to colonial-period buildings in Kuala Lumpur, with a simple, unadorned facade that conveys spiritual humility. The main prayer hall (Darbar Sahib) houses the Guru Granth Sahib Ji beneath a canopy, as is customary in all gurdwaras. The complex includes a langar hall where the community meal (Guru ka Langar) is served following special programmes. Given its location at Lot Number 35, Section 60, Jalan Parliament, within the police compound, the building's grounds are modest but well-maintained. The gurdwara lacks the ornate domes and marble facades of many larger, more modern gurdwaras, but its antiquity and preserved colonial character make it architecturally unique and historically invaluable. There is no sarovar (sacred pool) on the premises. ## Structures in the Complex ### Main Darbar Sahib prayer_hall The central prayer hall housing the Guru Granth Sahib Ji beneath a ceremonial canopy (Palki Sahib). As the oldest original-structure gurdwara in Malaysia, the Darbar Sahib retains its colonial-era character. It is where Kirtan, Katha, and Ardas take place during all religious programmes. ### Langar Hall langar_hall The community kitchen and dining area where Guru ka Langar — the free community meal — is prepared and served, particularly on the first Friday of each month and during major festivals. The Langar embodies the Sikh principle of equality, welcoming all visitors regardless of background. ### Entrance and Shoe Rack Area entrance The main entrance to the gurdwara where visitors remove their shoes and cover their heads as required by Sikh tradition. The entrance reflects the humble, colonial institutional architecture of the original 1890 structure. ### Police Compound Grounds museum The surrounding police compound within which the gurdwara is situated provides historical context. The area is associated with over a century of Sikh police service in Malaysia, and the gurdwara management is working to document and preserve this institutional memory, including through the ongoing Pulapol Sikhs documentation project. ## Events & Celebrations ### gurpurab #### Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurpurab The most widely celebrated Sikh festival, marking the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. Observed with Akhand Path (48-hour continuous recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji), Kirtan, Katha, and community Langar. The congregation gathers from across the Kuala Lumpur Sikh community for this occasion. #### Guru Gobind Singh Ji Gurpurab The birth anniversary of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, is observed with special prayers, Kirtan, and Langar. As the founder of the Khalsa, Guru Gobind Singh Ji is of particular significance to Sikhs who serve in uniformed services, making this an especially resonant festival for the police-connected congregation. ### festival #### Baisakhi Celebrated on 13–14 April each year, Baisakhi marks the harvest festival and, for Sikhs, the founding of the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699. The gurdwara holds special Kirtan and Langar programmes, and the occasion is particularly meaningful for Sikh police personnel who see it as a celebration of Sikh identity and service. ### weekly #### Sunday Asa Di War Kirtan Every Sunday morning from 5:00 AM to 8:00 AM, the congregation gathers for Asa Di War — the morning hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib Ji composed by Guru Nanak Dev Ji — followed by Katha (scriptural discourse) and Ardas (congregational prayer). This is the primary weekly religious programme of the gurdwara. #### Sikh Naujawan Monthly Programme Held on the first Friday of every month at 12:00 PM, the Sikh Naujawan (youth) programme brings together younger members of the Sikh police community and their families for spiritual engagement. The programme is followed by Guru ka Langar, fostering community bonds and passing on Sikh traditions to the next generation. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### visiting The main weekly programme is held on Sunday mornings from 5:00 AM to 8:00 AM, featuring Asa Di War Kirtan, Katha (scriptural discourse), and Ardas. Additionally, the Sikh Naujawan (youth) programme takes place on the first Friday of each month at 12:00 PM, after which Guru ka Langar (community meal) is served. For other visits, it is advisable to contact the Gurdwara Sahib Management Committee in advance as the gurdwara is located within a police compound. Yes, entry is completely free, as is the tradition at all Sikh gurdwaras worldwide. The community meal (Langar) is also offered free of charge to all visitors regardless of faith, caste, or background. Yes. Because the gurdwara is situated within a police compound (near the Royal Malaysian Police area on Jalan Parliament), visitors are advised to contact the Gurdwara Sahib Management Committee in advance or arrange entry through an acquaintance within the Royal Malaysian Police. Walk-in visits by the general public may be restricted due to the security protocols of the surrounding police area. The gurdwara observes all major Sikh festivals including Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Gurpurab (birth anniversary, usually in November), Baisakhi (April), and the Gurpurabs of other Sikh Gurus. Special Akhand Path (continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji), Kirtan programmes, and enhanced Langar are organised for these occasions. ### history Built in 1890 by the Federated Malay States Government, this is the first Sikh police gurdwara in Kuala Lumpur and the oldest gurdwara in Malaysia to retain its original structure. It was constructed to serve Sikh officers of the FMS Police, who at their peak comprised more than half the entire police force. The gurdwara was originally at Bluff Road (now Bukit Aman), and the Jalan Parliament site came into Sikh community use after 1940 when the Police Depot relocated to Gurney Road. The gurdwara has faced land tenure challenges since the 1970s but continues to serve its community to this day. This gurdwara is widely regarded as the oldest gurdwara in Malaysia that still maintains its original structure, built in 1890 during British colonial rule. It was the first Sikh police gurdwara established in Kuala Lumpur and reflects the deep historical connection between the Sikh community and the Malaysian police force, which at one time was composed of more than 50% Sikh officers. ### transport The gurdwara is located at No. 3, Jalan Parliament, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, near the Malaysian Houses of Parliament. The nearest railway stations are KL Sentral (approximately 2 km) and Masjid Jamek LRT Station (approximately 1.5 km). RapidKL buses serve the Jalan Parliament area. Grab ride-hailing and taxis are widely available in Kuala Lumpur. By car, GPS coordinates are 3.1514375, 101.6898125. Suggest an Edit Upload Photos ![Marker](https://unpkg.com/leaflet@1.9.4/dist/images/marker-icon.png) Gurdwara Sahib Police Parliament Kuala Lumpur Leaflet Get Directions → ### Contribute Help improve this page. Suggest edits, add photos, or share information about this Gurdwara. Suggest an Edit