Revisiting the early history of the creation of a Ministry actually dates back to the establishment of small departments during the British rule, especially when the British began their intervention in the Malay States after the signing of the Pangkor Agreement on 17th – 20th January 1874.
One of the oldest departments established by the Crown Colony government before the Pangkor Agreement was the Public Works Department (PWD) or later known as the Public Works Department (JKR) which was established in 1872.
Its establishment was aimed at providing infrastructure for the socio-economic development and political system of the British government in the Straits Settlements consisting of Singapore, Malacca, Perak (Dinding), Seberang Perai and Penang. Major J. FA Mcnair, former Colonial Engineer of the Straits Settlements, was the first person appointed to head the Public Works Department.
