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The Mystery of Kuala Lumpur's Lost River

35 mins·19:00, 15 Jul 2026
podcast image

The Mystery of Kuala Lumpur's Lost River

35 mins
·
19:00, 15 Jul 2026
·

Guest: Peter Leong, Researcher, Dr Teckwyn Lim, Researcher, Researcher

Most of us have probably heard the story of how Kuala Lumpur got its name. It's commonly said to mean "muddy confluence," a reference to where the Klang and Gombak rivers meet, and it's a story that's become part of the city's identity. But what if that familiar explanation isn't the whole story? Our guests for this episode of Stories of KL have spent years piecing together historical maps, colonial records, oral histories and the landscape itself to investigate the origins of Kuala Lumpur's name. Their research points to the existence of a long forgotten river called Sungai Lumpur, one that may still exist beneath the streets of modern Kuala Lumpur. Along the way, they've uncovered a fascinating story about hidden waterways, Indigenous heritage, colonial place names, and how cities can sometimes lose touch with their own beginnings. Joining us to share their findings are Peter Leong, a chemical engineer and hiking and mapping enthusiast with a passion for historical trails and Dr. Teckwyn Lim, who studies the relationships between people and nature and who also has a background working with Orang Asli communities.

Presenter: Juliet Jacobs

Producer: Juliet Jacobs

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