Kampar, Town in Perak, Malaysia
Kampar is a city in Perak, Malaysia, divided into old and new sections that spread across the Kinta Valley. The old town features pre-World War II shophouses with preserved facades and narrow streets like Jalan Gopeng and Jalan Idris, while the new town has modern apartments, supermarkets, and shops that serve a growing residential and student population.
Kampar was founded in 1887 when rich tin ore was discovered there, leading to a mining boom in the region. The tin industry flourished until the early 1900s, declined after World War I, and collapsed in the 1980s, bringing economic hardship until universities expanded operations starting in 2007.
Kampar is home to a mixed community of Chinese, Malay, and Indian residents who live and work together, preserving their traditions in daily life. The old town streets come alive with activity: people gather in coffee shops, goldsmiths display their craft, and small vendors sell local foods like fish ball noodles and curry bread that visitors often come to taste.
Kampar is easy to navigate on foot since the old and new town are compact and most streets are clearly laid out. Good bus systems, taxi services, and train connections to Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur make it straightforward to explore the city or travel to other regions, especially when using the bus terminal or train station.
A battle took place in Kampar in December 1941 where British soldiers fought against Japanese troops, inflicting losses on the enemy before being forced to withdraw. The name Kampar may come from the nearby Kinta River or relate to Chinese words meaning 'precious gold,' reflecting the town's former wealth from tin mining.
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