Tourism

Delving Into the Story of the Pasir Salak Historical Complex

20 Apr 2019 · 3 min read · 314 ·By Iskandar Zulqarnain

Since our school days, we have all been told about the heroic spirit of the Malays in resisting the oppression of the British colonialists and restoring the dignity of the nation.

However, many are still unaware that it was here in Perak that the Malay struggle to defend the dignity of their race and homeland from being torn apart began. Everything started with the bloody events that took place in Pasir Salak, which forced the British to call in large military reinforcements from Hong Kong and India to fight the Malay warriors of Perak.

Delving Into the Story of the Pasir Salak Historical Complex

In this article, orangperak.com would like to highlight the Pasir Salak Historical Complex, which is seeing fewer visitors these days due to a lack of awareness regarding the importance of the history that unfolded here.

The Pasir Salak Historical Complex, located approximately 70 kilometers from Ipoh City, was a proposal by the former Menteri Besar of Perak, Tan Sri Ramli Ngah Talib, dating back to 1990. Beginning with excavations conducted by the National Heritage Department to locate the original fort, the house of Dato Maharajalela, and traces of the battles that occurred there, the complex was subsequently built until its full completion.

Located on the banks of the Perak River, this historical complex was built with the hope that younger generations will always remember the bloody events of Pasir Salak in 1875, which marked the peak of the Malay movement against British colonialists in Perak, and to honor the services and sacrifices of the warriors who defended the dignity of the nation and country. This complex also serves as a center for collecting historical materials from the Pasir Salak Historical Complex and from across the state of Perak.

The buildings within this complex are constructed in the style of traditional Perak Malay houses. The complex was officially opened in 2004. The atmosphere is calm and peaceful if you visit the complex. However, in 1875, the situation there was not as peaceful as it is now, when the first British Resident of Perak, J.W.W. Birch, was killed by Malay warriors.

Everything began when the Pangkor Treaty was signed, and Perak officially came under the protection of the British government. The treaty also required the Perak state government to accept an advisor who would advise the Sultan on all matters related to the administration of Perak, except for matters involving the religion and customs of the Malays. However, the "advice" understood by the Sultan and the Malay chiefs who signed the treaty was not what the British intended. "Advice" here was diplomatic language for the ruler, meaning every "advice" from the Resident had to be followed. It was from this point that the Malays felt disrespected, leading to the killing of J.W.W. Birch on November 2, 1875, while Muslims were still celebrating the second day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Three days later, the British military began a series of attacks to avenge Birch's death in an event known as the Perak War.

The main attraction at the Pasir Salak Historical Complex is undoubtedly the History Tunnel. Here, you will be presented with dioramas arranged in chronological order, displaying important events regarding the Malays and Malaysia, starting with the early settlement of Perak in Kuala Selingsing in 200 BC.

This history tunnel also houses a gallery containing a large collection of keris. Other attractions here include the replica of Dato' Maharaja Lela's Kutai House, the Perak Warriors Memorial Monument, the Grave of Si Putum, the Fort of Dato’ Maharaja Lela (also called the Pasir Salak Fort), the Lela Rentaka I and II Monuments, the Belotah Stage, the Penghulu Hall, the site where Birch was killed, the Perak Sampan, Kutai House I, Pasir Salak Mosque (built on the site of the old mosque burned by the British during the Perak War), the Dragon Boat, Kutai House II, Anjang's Kutai House, the Birch Memorial Monument, and the History Gallery (Gallery of Menteri Besar and Perak State History).

Operating Hours

Saturday to Thursday: From 9.30 am to 5 pm.
Friday: From 9.30 am to 12.00 pm. Reopens from 2.30 pm to 5 pm.

The Pasir Salak Historical Complex is gradually losing its luster due to the lack of tourists visiting. Let us all visit this historical complex to recall the history of the struggles of our past warriors, in addition to restoring the glory it had during its opening.