Built in 1820 through the efforts of Syed Omar Bin Ali Aljunied, this was the first mosque and house of prayer in Singapore. It has been rebuilt twice, once in 1855 and again in 1981-82.

The Aljunied family is best remembered for their charitable acts in supporting schools, hospitals and mosques, as well as sponsoring religious events. These philanthropic deeds were recognised in the naming of Omar Kampong Malacca Mosque after its founder and in the naming of Aljunied Road and Syed Alwi Road (Syed Alwi was a descendant of Syed Omar).

Situated on the southern bank of the Singapore River, Kampong Malacca was designated for Muslims by Sir Stamford Raffles in his 1822 Town Plan. As a result, Arabs, Jawi-Peranakans, Indonesians and Malays gravitated there. Its heritage is reflected in the vibrant architectural styles that can be found in the area, some of which are still evident today.

A new paved road through Kampong Malacca built in 1855 brought worshippers from the surrounding areas to the mosque. With a bigger congregation, the original timber mosque was not large enough. A larger and sturdier brick structure was built in the same year to accommodate the mosque’s growing needs.

In 1981-82, after more than one hundred and sixty years, new features were added to the mosque. Omar Kampong Malacca Mosque, unlike other mosques in Singapore, had no minaret. It was only in 1985 that a tall minaret with a small roof dome was added at the entrance of the mosque.

With a seating capacity of 1000 people, it is the focal point of office workers during daily and Friday prayers.