Behind the Name of Kampung Raja Intan Suraya in Sauk

Kampung Raja Intan Suraya is a village located in the Sauk area, Kuala Kangsar. Before it was known as Kampung Raja Intan Suraya, the village was known as Kampung Baru Seberang Chendroh.

The village was named Kampung Baru Seberang Chendroh due to its location, situated across the Perak River, near and opposite the Chendroh Dam via the Sauk to Kuala Kangsar road. In 1965, the village, which previously lacked an official name, finally received its new official name: Kampung Raja Intan Suraya. Have you ever wondered who is behind the name Raja Intan Suraya? Continue reading to find out. Raja Intan Suraya was born in 1923 with the birth name Raja Zainab. She was the daughter of the late Sultan Iskandar (the 30th Sultan of Perak) and Raja Perempuan Kelsom. Raja Intan Suraya received her education at a Malay school in Kuala Kangsar and obtained English language education through private tutoring.

The name change from Raja Zainab to Raja Intan Suraya occurred when she was 44 years old, in early July 1967. This was due to health issues that had affected her since she was 5 years old.

Raja Intan Suraya - credit to sembangkuala and Raja Mimi Razman

The name Raja Intan Suraya was suggested to her by Raja Perempuan Taayah, three years before Raja Perempuan Taayah passed away at the age of 70 on February 18, 1962. The name proposed by Raja Perempuan Taayah received the approval of her brother, the late Sultan Idris II (the 33rd Sultan of Perak).

Raja Perempuan Taayah

When Raja Intan Suraya reached the age of 40, she registered as a volunteer for national service. This indirectly made her the first woman in the royal family to volunteer for such service. Raja Intan Suraya was also active as a member of Kaum Ibu Malaya, which is known today as Wanita UMNO, and she served as the chairperson for Kaum Ibu Malaya from 1963 to 1964. Sources and references:

• sembangkuala
• The Straits Times, July 8, 1967