A village lost in time, Kampung Baru is an estate located in the heart of Malaysia's capital, Kuala Lumpur, which has resisted modern architectural development.
A village lost in time, Kampung Baru is an estate located in the heart of Malaysia's capital, Kuala Lumpur, which has resisted modern architectural development.
Kamal Sellehuddin
Located near the city center, the village is considered to be a potential real-estate gold mine.
Located near the city center, the village is considered to be a potential real-estate gold mine.
Kamal Sellehuddin
So far, much of the village has resisted the modernization and development that has consumed the surrounding area.
So far, much of the village has resisted the modernization and development that has consumed the surrounding area.
Kamal Sellehuddin
However, as the value of the real estate the village sits upon steadily rises, more and more residents are selling off their land.
However, as the value of the real estate the village sits upon steadily rises, more and more residents are selling off their land.
Kamal Sellehuddin
Photographer Kamal Sellehuddin has spent the last two years photographing inside Kampung Baru.
Photographer Kamal Sellehuddin has spent the last two years photographing inside Kampung Baru.
Kamal Sellehuddin
"I wanted to capture the original form and ambiance of the village, before it is -- seemingly, inevitably -- all taken apart," he says.
"I wanted to capture the original form and ambiance of the village, before it is -- seemingly, inevitably -- all taken apart," he says.
Kamal Sellehuddin
"This village is facing a fierce clash of cultures between the modern and traditional. We are beginning to see high-rise apartments creep into the area as well. Perhaps in a just a few short years, Kampung Baru as we know it will have changed entirely," says Sellehuddin.
"This village is facing a fierce clash of cultures between the modern and traditional. We are beginning to see high-rise apartments creep into the area as well. Perhaps in a just a few short years, Kampung Baru as we know it will have changed entirely," says Sellehuddin.
Kamal Sellehuddin
"If you look carefully, each house has a different and unique design, dating back to before Malaysia's independence, which distinctly reflects Malay culture and heritage. No two houses look the same."
"If you look carefully, each house has a different and unique design, dating back to before Malaysia's independence, which distinctly reflects Malay culture and heritage. No two houses look the same."
Kamal Sellehuddin
"Many of the Kampung Baru residents feel blessed. To them, it seems they have the best of both worlds."
"Many of the Kampung Baru residents feel blessed. To them, it seems they have the best of both worlds."
Kamal Sellehuddin
"They are able to maintain their traditional way of life, while fully partaking in the benefits of development that surrounds them," Sellehuddin says.
"They are able to maintain their traditional way of life, while fully partaking in the benefits of development that surrounds them," Sellehuddin says.
Kamal Sellehuddin
"Malaysia's rapid urban development may have its benefits, however, Kampung Baru is a space that is special in its history and heritage."
"Malaysia's rapid urban development may have its benefits, however, Kampung Baru is a space that is special in its history and heritage."
Kamal Sellehuddin
"In its current state, it is unique, and it would be a shame to replace it with a sterile urban development with no local identity."
"In its current state, it is unique, and it would be a shame to replace it with a sterile urban development with no local identity."
Kamal Sellehuddin
"Perhaps in a just a few short years, Kampung Baru as we know it will have changed entirely."
"Perhaps in a just a few short years, Kampung Baru as we know it will have changed entirely."
Kamal Sellehuddin
"These are our local traditions, our cultural practices, and we cannot afford to ignore the reality that surrounds this issue."
"These are our local traditions, our cultural practices, and we cannot afford to ignore the reality that surrounds this issue."
Kamal Sellehuddin
"I hope that people -- especially former and present Kampung Baru residents -- develop an awareness and a deeper appreciation."
"I hope that people -- especially former and present Kampung Baru residents -- develop an awareness and a deeper appreciation."
Kamal Sellehuddin
"That they feel the need to protect the identity, heritage, culture and land that had been passed to them."
"That they feel the need to protect the identity, heritage, culture and land that had been passed to them."
Kamal Sellehuddin
"It is my hope that my photos are able to, in some small way, contribute towards the fragile preservation of these homes," the photographer says.
"It is my hope that my photos are able to, in some small way, contribute towards the fragile preservation of these homes," the photographer says.
Kamal Sellehuddin