TELUK INTAN: The Menara Condong Teluk Intan, often called the Leaning Tower of Teluk Intan, is more than 128 years old, and still stands proudly in the town, not unlike the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy.
The clock on the tower continues to chime every 15 minutes, thanks to Hisham Sahak, a 44-year-old local who has been maintaining it since April 4, 2004, when the previous caretaker retired.
Initially criticized for taking the unpaid job, Hisham was motivated to continue ensuring the clock tower remains a tourist attraction.
Hisham, also known as ‘Abi’, is a general worker at the Teluk Intan Municipal Council (MPTI) and believes that his responsibility is vital to the town’s appeal. He said, “The job has been entrusted to me and I have to do the best I possibly can. If this clock and tower are not carefully maintained, then no one would want to come and visit Teluk Intan.”
He learned how the clock operates within a month and now dedicates four hours daily to maintaining and learning the functions of components in the clock system.
Abi making adjustments to the clock to ensure that it works when people visit the town. — Bernama
Although he does not receive payment for his dedication, Hisham finds satisfaction in hearing the clock chime, especially during important events such as Independence Day and New Year celebrations.
He expressed his hope that the clock and tower will continue to be maintained and preserved for future generations to appreciate.
Repair in progress: Abi has to squeeze through narrow spaces when performing maintenance on the clock. — Bernama
Records indicate that the tower was built by Chinese architect Leong Choon Cheong to serve as a water storage tank during the dry season.
The clock was installed in 1895, purchased from clockmaker James Wilson Benson in Ludgate Hill, London, using funds donated by the residents. The chime from the clock could be heard up to five kilometers away during the night.
