Bangunan SKTM(Sekolah Kebangsaan Tanjung Malim)

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CHAPTER 6.0: BANGUNAN SKTM 6.2 Location of Bangunan SKTM

6.1 Introduction Figure 6.1: Campus Division of Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris

SKTM stands for Sekolah Kebangsaan Tanjung Malim plays a Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris is divided into old and new
vital role as it was one of the earliest schools in Tanjung Malim. Back campuses, namely Sultan Abdul Jalil Shah Campus in Tanjung Malim and
then, it was known as Sekolah Melayu Tanjung Malim. Most of the Sultan Azlan Shah campus in Proton City. Bangunan SKTM is in the old
teachers from SITC graduates and local children in Tanjung Malim were campus of UPSI and was called Sekolah Kebangsaan Tanjung Malim due
either training teachers or students from SKTM. SKTM was part of their to its location. Bangunan SKTM (GPS: 3.687294, 101.526090) is located
special childhood memories as students reminisced about the school until near Surau An-Nur UPSI and Za'ba House, built simultaneously with other
now. Thus, this chapter discusses Bangunan SKTM from its site context, SITC buildings in 1919. The land area is approximately 2700 sqm (45m by
history, and significant aspects that contribute to the development of the 60m). Other surrounding buildings are Chancellery Building and
building throughout the years. Furthermore, it highlights the building Bangunan Tadahan Selatan. Other sports facilities also are provided near
construction, materials, and the analysis between schools built around the the Bangunan SKTM, such as tennis court, gymnasium, netball court, and
same time in comparison to the structural system, spatial organisation, and badminton court, which gather people to carry out particular activities.
more.

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Figure 6.2: The Aerial View of The Current Bangunan SKTM

Figure 6.3: Masterplan of UPSI
(Blue=Early buildings in SITC, Red=Bangunan SKTM)

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a. Natural environment

UPSI is surrounded by natural elements such as big trees and a
football field. The greenery adds to the environmental value of UPSI
which contributes to the site. Inside the Bangunan SKTM compound, there
were three huge trees on the side of the playground compound. The trees
are located near to the kitchen area next to two swings which act as
shading to the swings area. Figure 6.4, 6.5 and 6.6 are showing the trees on
the playground compound. There are another three huge trees arranged on
the left side of the building which is from southeast, along the corridor.

Figure 6.4: Location Plan of Bangunan SKTM

6.2.1 Site Context Figure 6.5: Aerial View of Bangunan SKTM Compound.

This section focuses on the neighbouring buildings and
surroundings around Bangunan SKTM in the UPSI compound. The
section is divided into two subtopics which are natural environment and
built environment.

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Figure 6.6: Site Plan of Bangunan SKTM Showing the Context Figure 6.8: Trees Along The Walkway on The Left Side of The Building
Figure 6.7: The Playground Compound.
In front of Bangunan SKTM, there is a parking lot for the users of
Institut Peradaban Malaysia (IPM) which locates trees and bushes
surrounding the area. This vegetation was designed as shading devices for
the parking lot and decoration for the frontage of IPM along the entrance
gate. On the other side, beside the tennis court, which is located to the
northwest of the building, lined a row of tall and huge trees that existed
even before the establishment of UPSI. As the tennis court was positioned
near to the road, these trees help to act as buffer and divider between the
road and the tennis court with a parking area.

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Across the road, a large field can be seen with the perimeter The centre of Bangunan SKTM compound has been
starting from Rumah Za’ba leading to the front of Muzium Pendidikan completed with a playground since Taska Permata took over the
Nasional (MPN), and the field was extended to the main gate of Sultan building in 1996. The playground consists of swings, slides, and
Abdul Jalil campus of UPSI. Here, many of the students spend their time seesaws. The playground was used by the children from Taska
playing football in the evening or just gathering and chilling out in groups. Permata until 2013 because it was moved to a new building in
Sultan Azlan Shah campus in Proton City along with National
b. Built environment Child Development Research Centre (NCDRC). After Institut
Peradaban Malaysia (IPM) started operating in Bangunan SKTM
The built environment of Bangunan SKTM consists of the in 2014, the playground has remained for the use of students from
facilities and infrastructures in the boundary and surrounding the SKTM a religious school that temporarily utilised the ground floor of the
compound. Facilities of Bangunan SKTM building.

Figure 6.9: The Playing Equipment in Bangunan SKTM’s Courtyard. Figure 6.10: Tennis court beside Bangunan SKTM

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On the right side of the building, which faces the Figure 6.11: Surau An-Nur.
northwest, is a tennis court with a parking lot. The tennis court is
used by the students of UPSI. Based on an interview with Hj. Across the road in front of Bangunan SKTM, there is
Kamaruddin (2022), the alumni of Sekolah Latihan Tanjung Surau An-Nur which has been in the same location since the era of
Malim (1954-1959), the base of this tennis court formerly was SITC. Surau An-Nur was constructed in August 1919 and fully
land for gardening during the time of Sekolah Latihan and Sekolah completed in June 1922 and was designed by Kestevan, an
Kebangsaan Tanjung Malim. architect from Federated Malay State. According to Dr. Raja
Ahmad Shalaby(2022) in an interview, during the time of Maktab
The left side of the building locates a Tenaga Nasional Perguruan Sultan Idris (MPSI), the building was once known as
Berhad (TNB) substation outside of Bangunan SKTM boundary. Surau Pak Aris referring to a photographer that worked in MPSI.
Back in 1954, the location of this TNB substation used to be the Pak Aris was known to be the person who took care of the
location of toilets for students of Sekolah Latihan Tanjung Malim. building and was close and friendly to the students as well. Today,
Surau An-Nur is under the management of Pusat Islam UPSI.
c. Neighbour buildings

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Figure 6.12: Rumah Za’ba. 6.3 History of Bangunan SKTM

Rumah Za’ba was located next to Surau An-Nur. It was Bangunan SKTM has gone through some stage of development
stayed by Zainal Abidin bin Ahmad, or better known as Za’ba or where its name also changed several times, from Sekolah Melayu Tanjong
Pendeta Za’ba. After Za’ba passed away, the house was used by a Malim (1894-1923) to Sekolah Latihan SITC (1923-1956) and then to
teacher in SITC. Hj. Kamaruddin (2022) mentioned that during his Sekolah Kebangsaan Tanjung Malim (Latar Belakang SKTM, n.d. ).
time studying in Sekolah Latihan Tanjung Malim, they used to
have Qur’an recitation class after school in the house. .
It was established in 1894 as Sekolah Melayu Tanjong Malim and
was under the British administration (Perpustakaan Tengku Bainun, n.d. ).
Encik Lembang from Maktab Perguruan Singapura was the first
headmaster of the school. The building was built with bamboo walls, and
Nipah leaves as roofs. In 1897, the school was placed under the authority
of the Perak Education Office and was taken care of by school inspectors.
Later in 1919, it was taken over by SITC administration and used in
teaching practice for the SITC students. In 1929, the building was
demolished. A new building was constructed and completed in 1930 and
was named SITC Training School (Sekolah Latihan Khas SITC), also
known as Sekolah Latihan Tanjung Malim. The school has been SITC's
teaching training school for undergraduate students before they are posted
to teach in schools. Even though the school had its headmaster at the time,
the central administration was supervised by the SITC principal, who in
1932 was under J. Pearce. Most students who study at the school are
children of workers and local people. Students that are good at reading,

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counting and have neat handwriting are selected to continue their studies at After World War II ended in 1946, the SITC compound, including
an English school in Kuala Lumpur. the school, was operating again; however, the government had to take time
to fix the damage and clean up the college as some parts of the college
In the 1930s, the school day was from Saturday to Thursday with used to be a place of beheading.The school operated again where
one day off which is on friday. The school sessions began at 7.15 am and curriculum were about gardening, weaving, sewing and were taught
students were required to gather at the field for exercising and gardening. crafting ladles out of coconut shells and soap containers out of tins. Back
The break was from 10.30 to 10.45 am and students only spent 10 to 20 then, the school still lacked canteen facilities, library and sick bay. Canteen
cents of ‘pocket money’ to buy a loaf of bread. Most of the teachers for was only constructed after Tanah Melayu’s independence.
the school consist of third year SITC’s students and some of them were
from the SITC’s teacher (Latar Belakang SKTM, n.d.). The school changed its name again following Penyata Razak 1956
to Sekolah Kebangsaan Tanjung Malim. All the primary schools were
One of the memorable events was in 1934 when the school had a converted to Sekolah Kebangsaan, with Malay as the national language of
large-scale show, and the local community gathered to see the show. The instruction. The key objectives of these changes are to form an appropriate
show was done three days in a row, and students and teachers from the national education system and unite the multi-racial population in Tanah
school participated in playing the story of “Ali baba and 40 Orang Melayu while maintaining the development of other languages and
Penyamun,” an adaptation from Arab literature. The show got a positive cultures. The school used Tanjung Malim as one of the significant
response from the audience, making it one of the activities the school intuitions in Tanjung Malim that contribute to the education of Malay
could be proud of. children in the area. Despite the name change, the site remained within the
SITC territory, and the administration was no longer under the teaching
When Japan invaded Tanah Melayu in 1941, the school and the college.
whole SITC were briefly shut down as they became headquarters for
Japanese soldiers. Even though under Japanese control, the school was still In 1958, the school was renovated with the addition of six
operating despite having to follow the Japanese-based curriculum. classrooms, which affected the partitioned classroom in the existing
Students were forced to sing the Japanese national anthem daily and were building. A year later, the building was extended 60 feet, with two
taught the Japanese language in class.

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additional classrooms added to accommodate the increasing number of Figure 6.13: Bangunan SKTM in 1990
students. With this renovation, the school had 11 classrooms and a library. (Source: Muzium Pendidikan Nasional UPSI)
A library is crucial that serves as a resource for students and nurtures
reading among students during their leisure time. The library consists of The original form of Bangunan SKTM consisted of a symmetrical
200 books, including fiction books and Malay texts. rectangular plan. Based on interviews with alumni SKTM (2021), in the
earliest era, the toilet and kitchen were constructed outside of the building,
In 1989, SKTM had new construction on eight hectares of the new and the location was changed a few times. The building's original form
site in Jalan Ketoyong and moved to the new location ever since to have varies gradually from an elongated building form to the 'U' shape of the
the appropriate school conditions for the students. During a change from current building. The most notable change occurred between 2000 and
IPSI to UPSI, the SKTM building became a storage facility and was 2011 where the building was used as Taska Permata and NCDRC. The
abandoned before TASKA Permata took it over in 1996. To suit the changes involved the office, steel staircase, kitchen, air-conditioning, and
kindergarten and nursery needs, the building was renovated again with an
addition of rooms for the children and a kitchen. The National Child
Development Research Centre (NCDRC) started operating with TASKA in
Bangunan SKTM from 2006 until 2013. Later from 2014 until now, the
building was taken over by Institut Peradaban Melayu (IPM) as a research
centre, conference, and seminar.

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interior wall construction. Thus, throughout the years, the building was Table 6.1 : List of Headmasters of SKTM (Source: Latar Belakang SKTM, n.d. )
used to occupy the children and was designed accordingly to cater to their
requirements in the learning and educating process. Even though the
building function had been used for several purposes, the building
maintained its name of Bangunan SKTM until nowadays and became one
of the remarkable heritage buildings in UPSI.

6.3.1 Significant Figures

From the time Tanjong Malim National School opened its doors in
1895 until 1990, a total of 26 headmasters were appointed. The majority of
the teachers hired by the school were the graduates of teaching colleges in
Malaysia. Among the teachers who have served as headmasters in this
school are:

After British intervention, the locals started to fight for
independence and to prove that Tanah Melayu could stand by themselves;

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some of the political and economic affairs were managed by the Malay publication of a series Pelita Bahasa brings the beginning of Malay
people with the advice of the British administrator. The development of grammar (nahu Melayu). Hence, this chapter discusses Za’ba contribution
educational institutions plays a crucial role in contributing to the in depth.
systematic education that prioritises knowledge for the Malay people. For
instance, the SITC establishment marks the growth and achievement of a. Zainal Abidin Ahmad (Za’ba)
education in Tanah Melayu.
Zainal Abidin Ahmad was born in 1895, September 16 in
The beginning of Sekolah Melayu Tanjung Malim (Bangunan Kampung Bukit Kerdas, Negeri Sembilan. From 1907 to 1909, he received
SKTM) started with the establishment of SITC. One of the notable figures an early education in Sekolah Melayu Linggi and continued his studies at
was Sultan Idris ibn Raja Iskandar that was concerned about the education the St. Paul's Institution Seremban from 1910 until 1915 with a Senior
of the Malay people; hence, the college was named after him. Richard Olaf Cambridge Certificate. In June 1916, Za’ba began working as a Malay
Winstedt (R.O. Winstedt), a colonial administrator and a Malay scholar, is language teacher at Bukit Zaharah Government English School, and a
an important contributor as he proposed a central teaching college for month later, he began teaching at Johor Government College. In 1918, he
Malay teachers and was accepted at the Residents’ Conference, now worked as a language teacher at Malay College Kuala Kangsar (MCKK)
known as UPSI. Other significant figures are O.T. Dussek, the first while also enrolling in the Senior Normal Education class at Taiping for
principal of SITC; Cikgu Mohd Hashim Haji Talib, the longest serving two years. After passing the examination he was appointed as a trained
headmaster at SITC; Ahmad Murad Nasaruddin and Za’ba, the translator teacher in 1921 (Shalaby, 2018).
in Pejabat Karang Mengarang SITC. Not to mention the first headmaster
of SKTM was Cikgu Lembang. Their contribution to the development of
SITC played a crucial role in determining the direction of the education
system in Tanah Melayu.

There are numerous significant figures contributing to the SITC
development. Zainal Abidin Ahmad or Za’ba massive contribution to the

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Figure 6.14: Zainal Abidin Ahmad literature from one language to another not only enriches the literary
treasury of a nation but it helps in studying and analysing the writing of a
(Source: Mengenali Ulama Kita Sheikh Tahir Jalaluddin, 2016) masterpiece and improving knowledge from translated works. Za’ba along
with O.T. Dussek planned the establishment of this office together as
In 1924, O.T. Dussek founded Badan Menterjemah, later changed Za’ba was a translator in Pejabat Pelajaran Kuala Lumpur while O.T.
to Pejabat Karang Mengarang to further the translation of foreign Dussek was inspired by Balai Pustaka, Jakarta, in publishing reading and
literature and cultural aspects. Besides, the purpose of the establishment textbooks when he visited Indonesia in 1916.
was to publish books for use in Malay schools. Za’ba was transferred to
Pejabat Karang Mengarang (Malay Language Bureau) and was in charge Several Malay translators with a School Certificate degree were
of the publication of textbooks. The activity of translating the works of hired to work and were led by Za’ba. Among the translators who have
served in the Karang-Mengarang Office are Abdul Kudus bin Muhammad,
Ahmad Murad bin Nasaruddin, Abdul Rahman bin Yusop, Idris bin Yusof
and Yazid bin Ahmad. Za’ba contributed articles in Pedoman Belia
magazine that was changed to the Pengasuh magazine that was published
in 1923 (Arkib Negara, 1973).

In 1929, Zaba was appointed to publish textbooks, The Malay
School Series and The Malay Home Library Series. Some of the examples
of The Malay Home Library Series are Lamb’s Tales From Shakespeare,
Man Eaters of Tsave, Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Treasure Island.
The selection of English books that are fun and easy in consideration to
adapt to the reading ability of the Malay community in the village and
additional reading materials for students. Later, Za’ba was assigned to lead
the Malay Language Education Division in SITC. In 1939, he was

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transferred to Singapore and served in the Broadcasting Department as a Figure 6.15: Translation Bureau, SITC of 1929
war announcer at Radio Malaya Singapore. During the Japan intervention From left,standing, Yazid Ahmad, Ahmad Murad Nasaruddin, Aziz Din. Sitting,
in Singapore, Za’ba remained serving in the broadcasting division as Head
of Radio News Information. Abd Kudus Muhammad, Za’ba, W.B. Clarke, Abd Hadi Hj Hasan, Md Yusoff
Sharif.
After the Japanese left Malaya, Za’ba went back to work as a
Malay translator in Kuala Lumpur. He continued to translate until 1946, (Source: Arkib Negara Malaysia)
when he was promoted to senior translator of the Malay language. In 1953,
Za’ba was appointed as a Malay language lecturer at the University of After all, Za’ba is one of the notable figures who has a great
London's School of Oriental and African Studies. He studied in an contribution in the development of Malay people and Malay language.
undergraduate programme in addition to teaching. He published two Za’ba has addressed the Malays’ situation from various aspects which are
grammar books while at SITC, Pelita Bahasa Melayu I & II (1926) and poverty, education and politics and present some recommendations to
Ilmu Mengarang Melayu (1934), which are still in use and studied by overcome it. He pointed out the need of Malay people to have the
language researchers today. The role of Za’ba and other figures from SITC awareness to change the attitude and prioritise the knowledge.
in improving and dignifying the Malay language is very important because
it succeeded in making Malay the official language of the country in 1967.
Sekolah Latihan SITC was the first school to get his book after he
translated them and the books were used as teaching materials at the
school.

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6.4 Architecture Influence Figure 6.16: The Illustration of a Pondok School in The Late 1800s Near The
SITC Compound.
This section will expand on the characteristics of architectural
influence found in the Bangunan Sekolah Kebangsaan Tanjung Malim (Source: R.A. Shalaby, 2021)
which includes both the vernacular and the colonial architecture.
In 1929, the timber building was vanished and a whole new
6.4.1 Vernacular Architecture building was constructed which is the building that exists until today. The
building was influenced by Malay vernacular architecture due to its
In 1894, Sekolah Melayu Tanjung Malim was operated on the function as Malay school and was used by Malay students and teachers.
same land. The building was in a different form, it was a whole timber R.O. Winstedt was responsible for the construction of this building, he was
building like the traditional Malay house. The visual of the building was known to love the Malays not only the language but also the tradition.
similar to pondok or religious school in that era like Sekolah Agama Hence, in respecting Malay identity and signature, the architecture of the
Jihadiyah, which was located near the SITC compound before SITC was new building reflected the Malay vernacular style.
built (R.A. Shalaby, 2021). Figure 6.16 shows the illustration of a pondok
school from the house of Syed Abu Bakar bin Mohd Al-Attas which is
titled ‘A Malay Mosque from A Malay Window’.

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The original look of the building was when it functioned as More detailed design can be observed such as the ventilation
Sekolah Latihan Tanjung Malim, where it was in an elongated building panels and decorative panel on top of the windows, refer Figure 6.17 to
form. The building was on stilts which was a common Malay vernacular Figure 6.20. Timber lattice was used to be the ventilation panels back in
styled building. Shown previously, Figure 6.13 illustrates the location and 1954 according Hj. Kamaruddin (2022), however all the ventilation panels
original form of the building back in the 1930s. Raised floor was widely were changed to steel due to the high maintenance. The decorative panel
applied in Malays vernacular architecture as Malays prioritise privacy and functions as an additional element to capture natural lighting while
manners. Raised floors provide privacy to the users where the spaces will filtering the amount of light. It is to avoid the interior spaces getting heated
not be exposed to outsiders even if the doors and windows were widely up as the intensity of sunlight in Malaysia is rather high. Having bright and
opened. Back in the day, people opened the doors and windows during the various colours on the decorative panel adorned the facade of the building
day time to allow ventilation due to the hot and humid climate. and created beautiful light prints inside the rooms.

The facade of the building was originally symmetry following the Figure 6.17: The Intricacy of The Facade of Bangunan SKTM.
Malay vernacular and British colonial styles. The number of stairs was
only two in earlier times to balance the facade as well as ease the
circulation, which later were added two more staircases due to safety and
accessibility purposes. Observing the facade, the wall panels are made of
timber with the intricacy of the windows. The doors and railings were also
made of timber. Double leaves doors and casement windows were located
on all sides of the buildings. Figure 6.17 shows the windows and
ventilation panels in one part of the building. Windows on the first floor
are different from the ground floor, where the windows were extended to
the floor level with railing just like the Malay houses.

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Figure 6.18: The Window Panels of Bangunan SKTM. Figure 6.20: Decorative Panel on Top of The Windows.
Figure 6.19: Ventilation Panel Above The Windows of Bangunan SKTM.
6.4.2 Colonial Architecture

Through the process of colonisation, the colonisers enforce their
rules, religious beliefs, language, economics, and other cultural practices
to the colonised country. This act of ruling would benefit them from the
region’s people and resources (Veracini, 2010). Colonial Architecture
pertains to an architectural style that is foreign to a particular country. It
has been implemented to the local communities, for its built environment
and design. Several colonial empires have proclaimed and occupied many
lands around the world between the 15th and 16th centuries, which caused
the spread of colonial influence to a particular region’s culture as well as
architecture.

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In this case, the British colonists in Tanah Melayu had imposed a. Masonry Columns
their own ruling and advice to develop the region in terms of its
architecture. This brought major changes to the Malay states, including During the pre-colonial era, a typical Malay vernacular school
Perak. British colonial architectural style has influenced the Malay would resemble the construction of traditional Malay homes, where solid
architectural style way before World War II, particularly in major towns chengal wood is mostly used in constructing the structure and overall
such as, Malacca, Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Perak. The colonial building. Traditionally, a Malay vernacular school would be a timber
architectural style was adopted and modified to suit Malaysia’s warm and building supported by timber stilts, similar to the illustration of the pondok
humid climate. In addition, the style was also merged with other styles of school that was found near SITC compound around the 1800s, shown in
various cultures in Malaysia (Chun et al., 2005). Therefore, the
combination between local and foreign architecture styles, in terms of Figure 6.16.
building materials, construction and features were created in this era.
However, the British introduced the use of masonry stilts and
Bangunan SKTM is categorised as a Malay vernacular school other materials that were more sturdy and durable. Hence, when Bangunan
building, where traditional Malay elements are implemented which SKTM was rebuilt after it was taken over by SITC, brick masonry
maintains the traditional lifestyle and spatial organisation principles of a columns were used as a primary column in the building structure.
regular Malay vernacular school. Furthermore, foreign elements with
newly developed industrial techniques that were introduced in the colonial
era, were also used. This could be clearly seen on the buildings’ physical
state in 1990 shown in Figure 6.13.

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Figure 6.21: Bangunan SKTM Masonry Column Figure 6.22: Symmetrical Facade of Bangunan SKTM

b. Facade While, the window and door design of the building mostly reflects
Observing the windows, doors, and timber wall panels of the the Malay vernacular architectural style, the steel lattice work on the
building, it shows how the facade and layout were symmetrically ventilation panels are observed to be colonial influenced elements with a
constructed, like many typical to British colonial architecture. function to allow airflow, yet maintain privacy and are purely decorative.
Another element influenced by colonial architectural style, is the use of
stained glass on top of the windows of the building. Decorative coloured
glass panels are highly functional to capture and filter natural light without
overheating the interior space, which was commonly used in the
Renaissance era.

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building is influenced by the western, as it does not follow the usual Malay
vernacular style of using nipah leaves or rumbia leaves for roofing
materials.

Figure 6.23: Metal Grill and Decorative Panel of Bangunan SKTM Figure 6.24: Roof of Bangunan SKTM

C. Roof 6.5 Profile of Bangunan SKTM

A cross hipped roof construction is used in the Bangunan SKTM This section of the chapter aims to go through the chronology of
as of 1954 till the present day. Hipped roofs were commonly used during the subject of study, Bangunan SKTM, its spatial organisation, building
the early Georgian period, during the early 18th century. The hips of the materials, as well as the analysis and the synthesis of the space.
roof are joined together, following the ‘L’- shaped layout of the building,
as the combination covers the vertical portion of the building and the
perpendicular portion of the building. In addition, clay roof tiles were used
as the roof materials as shown in Figure 6.24, ever since the building was
rebuilt in 1930 until now, as clay roof tiles are durable and low
maintenance. As observed from the roof design and construction, the

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6.5.1 Chronology of Bangunan SKTM An elongated timber building on masonry columns was built with
six classrooms located on the first floor, while the ground floor was
a. 1894 specifically for the teachers room and a public open hall with a stage
where the students used for performances, as shown on Figure 6.25. The
A timber building known as Sekolah Melayu Tanjung Malim was building also consisted of two timber staircases located at the front side of
established under the British administration (Perpustakaan Tengku Bainun, the building as shown on Figure 6.26.
n.d.) on the same land as the present day Bangunan SKTM, with Encik
Lembang from Maktab Perguruan Singapura as the first headmaster. As
shown on Figure 6.16, a pondok school is how the original Sekolah
Melayu Tanjung Malim appeared to be. A typical pondok school around
that time was constructed with timber, elevated and supported by timber
stilts, and shaded by nipah leaves used as roofing material.

Further on in 1897, the Perak Education Office held authority over
the school.

b. 1930 Figure 6.25: Spatial Planning of Bangunan SKTM in 1930 First Floor (Top),
Ground Floor (Bottom)(Illustrated by Aina Amira)
The land in which Sekolah Melayu Tanjung Melayu was located,
was taken over by SITC administration. In 1929, the original timber
building was demolished and a new building was rebuilt along with the
other SITC buildings, and finished its construction in 1930. Referring back
to Figure 6.2, showing an aerial view of SITC complex where Bangunan
SKTM is located.

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Figure 6.26: Axonometric Ground Floor Plan of Bangunan SKTM in 1930 Figure 6.27: Sekolah Latihan Tanjung Malim Students Training Primary Students
(Illustrated by Wissal Hanouf) in 1930s

As the building was under the SITC administration during that (Source: UPSI National Education Museum)
time, it was given the name Sekolah Latihan Tanjung Malim or Tanjung
Malim Training School. As SITC was a training college for future c. 1954
teachers, Sekolah Latihan Tanjung Malim was used as a practical training
place for SITC students to practise, prepare and put their teaching skills to In 1954, due to the increased number of students the construction
the test, as the building also functions as a primary school under of an additional part of the building had just finished resulting in an “L”
supervision of Mr. Meor Hashim. shaped building. This was stated by Hj. Kamaruddin(2022), an alumni of
Sekolah Latihan Tanjung Malim in 1954 until 1959. The additional part of
the building was built on stilts, with another staircase leading to the first
floor. Two more classrooms were added on the first floor. In the same year,
a canteen was found on the right side of the school located between the
male and female toilets. The open hall on the ground floor was enclosed
and the spaces inside became classrooms, due to the increase of students.

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Figure 6.28: Axonometric Ground Floor Plan of Bangunan SKTM in 1954 Figure 6.29: Space Underneath The Additional Building.
(Illustrated by Wissal Hanouf) (Illustrated by Nurfarhana Zaili)

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Language as the main language of instruction in schools. This report
issued two types of schools, where Malay-medium schools are referred to
as a ‘national’ school, while others are referred to as ‘national-type’
schools (Ministry of Education Malaysia, 2005)

Therefore, in 1957, Sekolah Latihan Tanjung Malim was officially
changed to Sekolah Kebangsaan Tanjung Malim (SKTM).

Figure 6.30: Canteen (Kiosk) and Long Toilet Building at The Back. Figure 6.31: Tun Haji Abdul Razak bin Dato’ Hussein , Minister of
(Source: Muzium Pendidikan Nasional) Education (1952-1957)

d. 1957 (Source: Tun Razak Dalam Kenangan, 2016)

Penyata Razak or The Razak Report was issued in 1956, which led 107
to a major change in the Malay educational system. It is an educational
proposal named after the then Education Minister, Tun Abdul Razak. The
main goal of the report was to reform the education system of Malaya.
Private schools became nationalised and education was subsidised, hence
an increase of enrollment. The Razak Report forwards the Malay

Bangunan SKTM, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Tanjung Malim, Perak

e. 1968 of the first staircase from the right. The same treatment happened to the
toilet, where they rebuilt and positioned beside the canteen to the right.
The current chancellor building was where the SKTM football Additionally, another staircase was added beside the first staircase from
field was located, according to Mr. Ghani(2022), an alumni of SKTM. Mr. the right.
Ghani was a student from the years 1968 until 1974, where he was a
primary student, playing and enjoying the football field as a place where Figure 6.32: Axonometric Ground Floor Plan of Bangunan SKTM in
they held sports days with his friends. He also shared in an interview with 1985
Heritage 2021, that the open space under the additional portion of the
building was used as a space where they would play ping pong and (Illustrated by Wissal Hanouf)
sometimes the teachers would use it as a parking space.
g. 1989
Other important details that Mr. Ghani shared to add to the image In 1989, Sekolah Kebangsaan Tanjung Malim(SKTM) was moved
of how the class environment used to be, he mentioned that during his
primary time, the class used timber furniture. A blackboard would be used to a new building in Jalan Ketoyong, which still operates to this day.
for teaching and he remembered specifically that a world map would be
available beside the blackboard during history, geography, and science
classes.

f. 1985

In 1985, according to Mr. NorSyafrizal (2022), alumni of Sekolah
Tanjung Malim in 1985, storage was added at the back of the school’s
area, while the canteen was rebuilt and repositioned to be located in front

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Figure 6.33: Sekolah Kebangsaan Tanjung Malim in Jalan Ketoyong, Figure 6.34: TASKA Permata UPSI
Kampung Ketoyong, Tanjung Malim, Perak
(Source:SK Tanjung Malim in Google Maps) (Source: Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, 2019)

h. 1996 i. 2002

Taman Asuhan Kanak-Kanak (TASKA) Permata administered the In 2002, a kitchen and toilet were constructed on the other end of
building in 1996. The building was then used as a nursery and the building, creating a ‘U’ shaped form of the building. During this time,
kindergarten, in which major renovations were needed to accommodate the all spaces on the ground floor were enclosed and a playground was
children. The ground floor was renovated and used as classes and nursery designed in the centre of the school yard. According to Dr. Raja Ahmad
rooms, while the staff room and teachers room were on the first floor. Shalaby, a historical researcher, a few rooms on the first floor were used as
UPSI’s publishing office, which was called Pejabat Karang Mengarang,
until 2006.

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Bangunan SKTM, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Tanjung Malim, Perak

Figure 6.35: Axonometric Ground Floor Plan of Bangunan SKTM in 2002 Figure 6.36: Playground of Bangunan SKTM School Yard
(Illustrated by Wissal Hanouf)
j. 2006
In 2006, National Children Development Research Centre

(NCDRC) started to operate on the first floor of the building along with
TASKA Permata.

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Bangunan SKTM, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Tanjung Malim, Perak

Figure 6.37: TASKA Permata UPSI and NCDRC Figure 6.38: Axonometric Ground Floor Plan of Bangunan SKTM in 2011
(Source: NCDRC, UPSI) (Illustrated by Wissal Hanouf)

k. 2011

A steel staircase was constructed in 2011 in between the other
existing staircases located at the front side of the building. The staircase
was built due to the frail condition of the existing timber staircases, so a
steel staircase was built to accommodate the daily use to get to the offices
on the first floor.

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Bangunan SKTM, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Tanjung Malim, Perak

m. 2014

Institut Peradaban Melayu (IPM) started operating in Bangunan
SKTM as a research centre in 2014 until now. Institut Peradaban Melayu
(IPM) or Institute of Malay Civilization started operating in Bangunan
SKTM in 2014, as a research centre, where they conduct, generate as well
as collect knowledge regarding the Malay civilization.

Figure 6.39: Steel Staircase on The Left Side of The Timber Staircase of Figure 6.40: Institute of Malay Civilization in 2022
Bangunan SKTM

l. 2013

In 2013, both TASKA Anak Permata and NCDRC stopped
operating in Bangunan SKTM and were moved to a new building in the
Sultan Azlan Shah Campus.

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Bangunan SKTM, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Tanjung Malim, Perak

Figure 6.41: Chronology of Bangunan SKTM
(Illustrated by Nurfarhana Zaili, Aina Amira and Sayyidah Zeinab)

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Bangunan SKTM, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Tanjung Malim, Perak

6.5.2 Spatial Organisation Figure 6.42: Spatial Planning of Bangunan SKTM in 1930
(Illustrated by Aina Amira)
SKTM building spaces are divided into three categories: public,
semi-public, and private. In 1930, the elongated rectangular shaped floor
layout of the SKTM design was in linear organisation with a headmaster
room and classroom as highlighted in Figure 6.42. Linear organisation can
be designed for a single unifying component to which more items can be
attached based on their purpose, dimensions, and requirements. Since there
is no visual hierarchy or distinctive articulation, and they are organised
along an axis rather than at random, they are lined, and as a result, linear
volume predominates.

Therefore, the school has undergone several extensions to cater the
needs of the community in Tanjung Malim. The first major extension is
where part of the building which is the classroom on the first floor was
built on stilts that resulted in an ‘L’ shaped building. In 2002, the other
renovation was carried out where the kitchen, toilet, store and restroom
and janitor room were built on the end of the building creating an ‘U’
shape of the building but it was constructed unattached to the building. All
the open spaces on the ground floor were enclosed and became
classrooms.

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Bangunan SKTM, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Tanjung Malim, Perak

6.5.3 Building Materials
SKTM building complex has two major materials used for the

construction which are timber when it was first built and mixed with brick
masonry after decades.

a) Timber

Figure 6.44: Timber Used in The Construction of Bangunan SKTM

Figure 6.43: Spatial Planning of The Current Bangunan SKTM in 2021
(Illustrated by Aina Amira)

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Bangunan SKTM, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Tanjung Malim, Perak

Figure 6.45: Timber Used as Primary Building Material Bangunan SKTM from the top-tiered roof to the ground by this structure. Since it
was built in 1922, the school still remains with the same structure.
Timber was the primary building material used in the
region in the 1880s. Sekolah Kebangsaan Tg.Malim complex At Bangunan SKTM, there are some variances between
structure was originally made of timber. The load is transferred the columns on the first floor and those on the ground floor.
Timber secondary columns may be seen on the first floor and
throughout the interior of the structure. On the other hand, timber
is also used for the other construction components, such as the
beams, floor joists, roof structures, stairs, wall panels, doors, and
windows.

b) Masonry
The ground floor of Bangunan SKTM is using brick

masonry for columns and floor. Brick masonry has the ability to
maximise energy efficiency through thermal mass and can
withstand high temperatures for an extended period of time.
Additionally, it has unmatched strength, sustainability, and
durability to last a lot longer than using other materials.

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Bangunan SKTM, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Tanjung Malim, Perak

Figure 6.46: Masonry Used as The Primary Column in The Structure of
Bangunan SKTM

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Bangunan SKTM, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Tanjung Malim, Perak

6.5.4 Analysis and Synthesis of Space

a. Space Zoning

Table 6.2 The Differences between The Current and Locked Date Zonings

Year Public Semi-Public Private

1930 Open Hall Classroom Office
Ground Floor
Dining area Classroom Changing Room
First Floor Restroom Generator room
Classroom
2021 Transit room Office
Ground Floor Storage
Library
Office
First Floor Reception Meeting room
Lounge Bilik Pengarah Institut Peradaban Melayu
Bilik Pegawai Penerbitan
Bilik Pensyarah kanan
Bilik Penyandang Kerusi Za’ba

Staff room
Storage

Server Room

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Bangunan SKTM, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Tanjung Malim, Perak

b. Space analysis
c.

i. Classroom

Figure 6.47: One of The Classrooms on The Ground Floor Figure 6.48: Pantry at The Ground Floor

Basically on the ground floor plan, the layout for the
classroom is in square shape and also one classroom is in
rectangular shape. Before that, in 1930, there was only one
rectangular room that included the classroom and headmaster
room and beside it was an open hall. Following the current date,
the open hall was replaced with new spaces. Most of the
classroom is using air conditioning systems. Before it was
installed, ventilation panels at the top of the windows were
intended to allow natural ventilation inside the classroom. The
windows installed also allow natural daylight to penetrate into the

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Bangunan SKTM, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Tanjung Malim, Perak

class. After some renovation, the original design of the double-leaf
timber window was covered inside with the sliding window to
suit the current space functionality. Other than that, some of the
classes also have the kitchen because it is used for TASKA

ii. Office

Figure 6.49: Meeting Room on The First Floor Figure 6.50: Office on The Ground Floor

During 1930, SKTM building had no room for an office.
However, after they had the renovation, an additional part of the
building attached to the existing elongated shape building resulted
in the 'L' shape and it became the office on the ground floor area.
The office used the same design of original window and door.
Furthermore, on the first floor, the spaces for the classroom remain
but the functionality has been changed which now has been used
as main offices that are divided into meeting rooms, reception,
lounge, staff room, storage and also room for higher- ups.

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Bangunan SKTM, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Tanjung Malim, Perak

6.6 Building Construction pad foundations. Furthermore, pad foundation was mostly
used on the structure design during the colonial era.
6.6.1 Structural System
This section provides a comprehensive understanding of ii. Current (2021)
The foundation, also known as the sub-structure,
the construction of the SKTM building. It focuses on the
building’s structural system and elements that support the whole is built to support and anchor the building above it. Under
building. Basic structural elements of this building include the the major columns of SKTM building, the base construct
foundation, column, beam and joint system, floor and roof. is constantly secured and grounded. Based on research, as
the SKTM building was built in 1922, the foundation of
a. Foundation system the school can be interpreted as a pad foundation. Pad
i. Case study of pad foundation foundation was constructed as a concrete pad that
provides support towards the structural brick masonry
Pad foundations are those that carry and spread column.
concentrated loads to the soil from superstructures. They
typically consist of a concrete block or concrete pad and Figure 6.51: Section Cut of Brick Masonry Column on
are positioned to transfer point loads from the column or Concrete Pad Foundation.
framed structures.
(Illustrated by Sayyidah Zeinab)
The shape of pad foundations might be square,
rectangular, or circular. The pad footing may be stepped if
it is supported by a heavily loaded structure. The pad
merely distributes the loads from the structure to the
bearing layer of soil. Ground beams are also supported by

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Bangunan SKTM, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Tanjung Malim, Perak

b. Column system Figure 6.52: Elevation of C1 Column
Generally, there are two types of columns that can
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be identified in SKTM buildings, which are masonry
columns and timber columns. The supporting columns of
SKTM on the ground floor level were constructed above
the pad footing. There are a total of 14 columns that
support the whole structure

i. Current 2022

Primary Column
The masonry columns of Sekolah Kebangsaan

Tanjung Malim were directly constructed from the
foundation or footing to the roof. They support the
original building’s roof structure of the upper and lower
tier.

C1 and C2 columns are located in the office area
which is on the ground floor. There are 10 columns of C1
and 8 columns of C2 that are made of brick masonry with
dimensions 490mm x 490mm and a height of 2510mm.
These columns have the masonry stump at the top of the
column. These two columns have the same dimension but
different placement of capital at the top.

Bangunan SKTM, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Tanjung Malim, Perak

Figure 6.53: Elevation of C2 Column Figure 6.54: Elevation of C4 Column

C4 columns are located at the perimeter in front of C5 columns are located at the library, transit room
the corridor on the ground floor. There are 3 columns that and classroom on the ground floor. There are 12 columns
are made of brick masonry with dimensions 500mm x that are made of brick masonry with dimensions 470mm x
500mm and a height of 2840mm. 470mm and a height of 2840mm. The shape of the column
is a square shape.

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Bangunan SKTM, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Tanjung Malim, Perak

Figure 6.55: Elevation of C5 Column Figure 6.56: Elevation of C6 Column

C6 columns are located at the library on the C7 columns are located at the dining room,
ground floor. There are only 1 column that are made of changing room, classroom and storeroom on the ground
brick masonry with dimensions 480mm x 480mm and a floor. There are 27 columns that are made of brick
height of 2840mm. masonry with dimensions 480mm x 480mm and a height
of 2440mm.

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Bangunan SKTM, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Tanjung Malim, Perak

Figure 6.57: Elevation of C7 Column Figure 6.58: Elevation of C10 Column

C10 columns are located at the restroom area on Secondary column
the ground floor. There are 10 columns that are made of
brick masonry with dimensions 240mm x 240mm and a C3 columns are located at the library, transit room and
height of 2970mm. classroom on the ground floor. There are 8 columns that are made
of timber with concrete pad stone texture finishes with dimensions
490mm x 700mm and a height of 3800mm.

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Bangunan SKTM, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Tanjung Malim, Perak

Figure 6.59: Elevation of C3 Column Figure 6.60: Elevation of C8 Column

C8 columns are located at the steel staircase on the ground C9 columns are located at the perimeter along the
floor. There are 2 columns that are made of steel with concrete pad corridor. There are 6 columns that are made of timber with
stone texture finishes with dimensions 150mm x 150mm and a concrete pad stone tiles finished with dimensions 140mm x
height of 3290mm. 140mm and a height of 2640mm.

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Bangunan SKTM, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Tanjung Malim, Perak

Figure 6.61: Elevation of C9 Column Figure 6.62: Elevation of C11 Column

C11 columns are located at the restroom and janitor room C12 columns are located at the steel pergola on the ground
on the ground floor. There are 6 columns that are made of brick floor. There are 18 columns that are made of steel with round pad
masonry with dimensions 180mm x 180mm and a height of concrete stone texture finishes with dimensions 150mm x 150mm
2950mm. and a height of 2950mm.

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Bangunan SKTM, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Tanjung Malim, Perak

Figure 6.63: Elevation of C12 Column Figure 6.64: Elevation of C13 Column

C13 columns are located at the outer for the first floor. C14 columns are located at the interior for the first floor.
There are 50 columns that are made of timber with dimensions There are 15 columns that are made of timber with dimensions
140mm x 140mm and a height of 2670mm. 170mm x 170mm and a height of 2670mm.

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Bangunan SKTM, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Tanjung Malim, Perak

Figure 6.66: Timber Column for The Walkway

Figure 6.65: Elevation of C14 Column

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Bangunan SKTM, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Tanjung Malim, Perak

Figure 6.67: Steel Column for The Pergola Figure 6.68: Steel Column for The Staircase

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ii. Lockdate 1930

Figure 6.69: Timber Column for The Timber Staircase Figure 6.70: Elevation of C3 Column

C3 columns are located at the timber staircase on
the ground floor. There are 4 columns that are made of
timber with concrete pad stone texture finishes with
dimensions 140mm x 700mm and a height of 3800mm.

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Bangunan SKTM, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Tanjung Malim, Perak

Figure 6.71: Elevation of C5 Column Figure 6.72: Elevation of C6 Column

C5 columns are located at the stage on the ground floor. There are C6 columns are located at the stage for the ground floor.
12 columns that are made of brick masonry with dimensions 470mm x There are 1 column that are made of brick masonry with
470mm and a height of 2840mm. dimensions 480mm x 480mm and a height of 2385mm.

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Bangunan SKTM, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Tanjung Malim, Perak

Figure 6.73: Elevation of C7 Column Figure 6.74: Elevation of C13 Column

C7 columns are located at the classroom and head master C13 columns are located at the classroom for the
room and stage for the ground floor. There are 27 columns that are first floor. There are 33 columns that are made of timber
made of brick masonry with dimensions 480mm x 480mm and a with dimensions 140mm x 140mm and a height of
height of 2670mm. 2670mm.

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