LABUAN, Malaysia's small island rich with history, holds part of its intriguing past at the Chimney Museum.
The museum delves into the coal mining era in Labuan, spanning from 1847 to 1911, and sheds light on the history of Tanjung Kubong.
The iconic Chimney Tower, locally known as 'Punil,' stands as a historical landmark. It bears witness to the evolution of the coal mining industry in Labuan during the late 1890s.
Formerly recognised as the Chimney Information Centre, the museum officially opened its doors to the public on Oct 26, 2002.
The Chimney Museum carries several objectives, one of which is to collect, research, document, conserve and preserve Labuan's historical heritage, especially sites and monuments in the northern part.
The other objective is to serve as an informal educational institution and research reference centre.
By disseminating, elevating and safeguarding local heritage, history and culture, the museum aims to raise public awareness about the significance of preserving national heritage, particularly in Labuan.
The architectural charm of the two-storey building, inspired by a colonial-aged school in Labuan, beckons visitors to explore the city's earliest history as a major coal producer in the region.
The ground floor exhibition showcases the coal mining industry's evolution, including a special diorama offering a glimpse into the atmosphere inside a coal mining tunnel.
On the top floor, the museum unravels the mysteries surrounding the Chimney Tower, with various hypotheses suggesting its purpose as a ventilation shaft, bricks smelting facility, lighthouse, bell tower, or landmark from the coal mining era.
The gallery also features the conservation works and archaeological excavations of the 32.5-meter-tall Chimney Tower, conducted by the Department of Museums and Antiquities (now Department of Museums Malaysia) from 1997 to 1999.
The Chimney Museum also displays a variety of mining artefacts unearthed during conservation works and archaeological excavations.
Among the collections are a Chinese brass opium pipe, ceramic artefacts used by miners, diverse coal mining equipment, remains of locomotive components from Labuan's coal transportation trains.
There are also the original Chimney Tower bricks sourced from renowned British factories and a Labuan-based coal mining company.
The museum also highlights the different types of coal found around the Tanjung Kubong Area.
The Chimney Museum welcomes visitors every day from 9am to 5pm, except the first Monday of each month.
Admission is free, offering an accessible gateway to Labuan's captivating coal mining history.