CLIFFORD SCHOOL HAUNTED STORY

The haunting of Clifford School in Kuala Lipis, Pahang, is a staple of Malaysian urban legend. It’s one of those places where history is so heavy you can almost feel it—partly because of its colonial architecture, but mostly because of its grim role during World War II.

The Dark History

To understand the "ghost stories," you have to look at what happened between 1942 and 1945. During the Japanese Occupation of Malaya, the school was seized and used as the headquarters for the Kempeitai (the Japanese Military Police).

• The Torture Chamber: It is widely believed that the school's basement and certain classrooms were used as interrogation and torture chambers.
• The Executions: Many locals and prisoners of war were reportedly executed on the school grounds or in the immediate vicinity.

Common Ghost Stories & Sightings

Students and staff have shared a variety of eerie encounters over the decades. The most frequent reports include:

• The Sound of Marching: People have claimed to hear the rhythmic "stomp-stomp" of invisible boots echoing through the hallways at night, attributed to Japanese soldiers on patrol.
• The Headless Soldier: A classic trope of Malaysian hauntings, there are numerous accounts of a Japanese sentry standing guard without a head.
• Phantom Screams: Some locals claim that late at night, the faint sounds of crying or screaming can be heard coming from the older wings of the building.
• The "Heavy" Atmosphere: Even skeptics often remark that the school has a specific energy—a chilling stillness that makes you feel like you're being watched.

Why the Legend Persists

Unlike modern schools, Clifford School is a "Premier School" with a deep heritage (founded in 1913). Its British colonial design—tall windows, long dark corridors, and aging wood—naturally lends itself to a spooky atmosphere once the sun goes down.

While there’s no scientific proof of the paranormal, the trauma experienced there during the war has left a permanent mark on the town's collective memory.

Note: Most of these stories are passed down as "school lore" among students. While they add a layer of mystery to the institution, Clifford School remains one of the most prestigious and high-achieving schools in Pahang.

Google Gemini AI

24 January 2026: 1.17 p.m