(Collated and compiled by Cheong Kam Hon.)

The history of Royal Malaysia Police Museum began in the 1950's. It was initially located at the Police Training Centre, Jalan Semarak, Kuala Lumpur. The museum is currently housed at No. 5, Jalan Perdana, next door to the Islamic Art Museum. This building was previously the Senior Police Officers' Mess.

The role of this museum is to collect, study and store old artifacts for the purpose of studying the history and the development of the police institution in Malaysia. The museum provides explanation on the important responsibilities of the Police Force in keeping the peace, maintaining harmony and law enforcement.

This museum comprises of 3 indoor galleries and the ground around the museum is decorated with outdoor exhibits of vehicles and equipment used by the Police.

Gallery A has a theatre. Visitors are invited to view an audio-visual presentation of the early history of the Royal Malaysia Police. It recounts the roles of the Police Force at different times - from the days of the Melaka Sultanate to the period prior to our independence. The different uniform of the police personnel throughout our history are on display here.

The Weapons Corner is located in Gallery B. Artefacts on display included equipment used by the Police and weapons seized from the communists, secret societies and illegal immigrants. Information on the different awards and medals for bravery and services are also on display here. Visitors will be able to find details on the formation and development of Police Forces during the earlier years (in the days of the Straits Settlement, Federated Malay States and Unfederated Malay States) and its role during the Japanese Occupation (the Second World War) in this gallery.

Gallery C provides information on the challenges the Police Force faced during the Emergency (our fight against the communist forces from 1948 to 1960), our Confrontation with Indonesia (1963 to 1966) and the 13th of May, 1969 racial riot.

It is interesting to note that the duties of Chief of Police and Superintendent of Prisons during the days of the Melaka Sultanate was undertaken by the Temenggung. The word 'Temenggung' is derived from two Malay words'Tameng' and 'Agung' which when used together mean great shield. The modern history of the Royal Malaysia Police started in 1807 with the introduction of the Charter of Justice in Penang. PDRM (Polis DiRaja Malaysia) celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2007.

The museum is open daily from Tuesday to Sunday (10.00AM to 6.00PM). It is closed for Friday noon prayer from 12.30PM to 2.30PM. It is closed on Monday. Admission is free.

More information on this museum is available at their website at http://www.muziumpolis.com.