Bagan Datoh to be Renamed

Bagan Datoh is a town located about 45km west of Teluk Intan in Hilir Perak. It is situated southeast of Ipoh, the capital of Perak. Previously, Bagan Datoh was known for its coconut and cocoa plantations. However, these crops are now being rivaled by oil palm cultivation, which yields higher returns. Currently, the Bagan Datoh parliamentary seat is held by the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato' Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Datuk Seri Najib Razak, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, announced at the Malaysia Aidilfitri Open House in July 2016 that Bagan Datoh would be upgraded to a full district following a mutual agreement between the state and federal governments. Consequently, Bagan Datoh will change its name to Bagan Datuk, effective January 9, 2017. The declaration on January 9, 2017, will be officiated by the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah. State Secretary Datuk Seri Abdul Puhat Mat Nayan stated that this matter was decided during the State Executive Council meeting on November 22, 2016. Accordingly, government departments and agencies are required to adopt the new spelling in their respective management.

This historic declaration will take place at the hall of Sekolah Menengah Sains near Bagan Datoh and is expected to be attended by approximately 15,000 district residents. Bagan Datoh, or by its new name Bagan Datuk, was officially gazetted as the 12th administrative district in Perak on June 15, 2016. This development is seen as positive news that will help open up and increase job opportunities in the area.