Facts About Tasik Bukit Merah, Malaysia's First Man-Made Lake
Located in northern Perak, Tasik Bukit Merah is famous for its beautiful sunset views in the west. Many are surely captivated by the stunning panorama created as the sun gradually sets, casting a reddish hue across the edge of the lake.
Many are unaware of the fact that Tasik Bukit Merah is the first man-made lake in Malaysia. For the information of our loyal orangperak.com readers, it was built in 1906 during the reign of the 28th Sultan of Perak, Sultan Idris I. Many wonder how Tasik Bukit Merah was formed. You should know that it originated from the construction of the Bukit Merah Dam in the area. The construction of the dam submerged part of the surrounding area, turning it into a vast freshwater lake. The Bukit Merah Dam is located between two districts, Kerian and Larut Matang, Selama. The catchment area of the Bukit Merah Dam covers 40 km², spanning across these same two districts.
Not satisfied with just the fact that it is Malaysia's first man-made lake? Don't worry, there is another interesting fact about Tasik Bukit Merah. What is also fascinating about this lake is that it is the only freshwater lake in Malaysia with a railway track crossing it. Today, the railway bridge at Tasik Bukit Merah is known as the Bukit Merah Marine Viaduct. It features a 3.5 km double-track railway completed in 2013, which replaced the old embankment track built previously.
This indirectly makes it the longest railway bridge crossing a lake. Quite a unique and interesting set of facts about Tasik Bukit Merah, isn't it? The original Bukit Merah railway station route was closed on July 30, 2013. As mentioned earlier, the original embankment track was replaced with a new double-track bridge that also crosses Tasik Bukit Merah.
There is also information stating that Tasik Bukit Merah is well-known as the natural habitat for the Arowana fish, which is popular as a valuable ornamental fish. The golden-colored Arowana is called the Malaysia Gold or Dragon Fish, and you should know that the price of this fish can reach thousands or even tens of thousands of ringgit.
