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Kuala Lumpur, roughly translated means "Mouth of the Muddy River" and refers to the muddy area where the Klang and Gombak rivers join. It was this muddy area that was first settled by tin prospectors in the 1800's. This mining settlement grew rapidly and by 1857 or so traders, merchants and others, enticed by the opportunity newfound riches provided, arrived at this shantytown setting up businesses and the rest, as they say, is history. In due course a man of Chinese descent, Yah Ah Loy, was appointed 'mayor' and responsible for the behaviour of the Chinese community. However 1870 was a disastrous year for the newly formed community; a fire caused by civil unrest between the different Chinese groups and that coupled with a devastating flood destroyed the entire town.