Belfield Street (Jalan Sultan Yusuff)

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Belfield Street is one of the main commercial streets in Ipoh. Today it is called Jalan Sultan Yusuff. The street can possibly be divided into two parts. The northern end is where most of the European commercial establishments were concentrated. This includes three major British Banks, the Chartered Bank (today Standard Chartered), the Hongkong & Shanghai Bank (today HSBC) and the Chartered Merchantile Bank.

Also found here were European emporiums (or should I write, emporia) such as Whiteways & Laidlaws and Pritchards. These are the stores that cater to the British upper crust, to the officers, as well as to the wealthy tin mining tycoons trying to keep up with the Joneses.

Facade of a turn-of-the century building along Jalan Sultan Yusuff, Ipoh.

Facade of a turn-of-the century building along Jalan Sultan Yusuff, Ipoh.

Façade of a turn-of-the century building along Jalan Sultan Yusuff, Ipoh.

One of the most interesting aspects of Jalan Sultan Yusuff are the frontage of the shophouses here, particularly the pediments. On 128-136 Jalan Sultan Yusuff is a row of handsome shophouses with elaborate classical pediments. No 128 belongs to Jan Sahib, the prominent Indian Muslim, son of Sheikh Adam, who founded the Indian Muslim Mosque.

Sadly however, many of these lovely buildings are in a rather run-down state. As I write this, I hope a great awareness of conservation will be generated, and these heritage structures can be rejuvenated.