Getting to Know Slim River
The name Slim River is derived from two English words that translate to 'Narrow River' in Malay. This is because the British named the area after the narrow condition of the river here. Historically, Slim River was a town in the Batang Padang District, Perak, located in southern Perak, approximately 20 km north of Tanjung Malim and 100 km south of Ipoh. Today, Slim River is the second-largest town in the Tanjung Malim district and is administered by the Tanjung Malim District Council.
Slim River was the site of a battle that determined the fate of the British Army during the Japanese invasion of Malaya in World War II. The British Army suffered a severe defeat during the Battle of Jitra when the 11th Indian Division, led by Maj. Gen. David Murray-Lyon, was defeated by the Japanese Army led by Lt. Gen. Tomoyuki Yamashita, forcing them to retreat to Kampar.
The British Army organized a defense in Kampar. The Japanese Army continued to advance and engaged the British Army in the Battle of Kampar. The British put up a fierce resistance, but the Imperial Japanese Army broke through the British defensive lines, forcing them to retreat to Slim River.
Lt. Gen. A. E. Percival and Lt. Gen. Lewis Heath knew that if they failed to halt the Japanese advance at Slim River, the British Army would be unable to defend Selangor and Negeri Sembilan. However, the British troops, who were resting during their retreat, were caught in a surprise attack known as the Battle of Slim River. This battle is famous for the shock caused when a small number of Japanese infantry, supported by tanks, successfully defeated a much larger British force. This battle effectively ended the British hope of defending Malaya.
Ulu Slim Hot Springs Attraction
Visitors to these springs mostly enjoy boiling eggs and soaking their feet in the pools. The surrounding area has been cleaned and developed by the Tanjung Malim District Council with facilities such as rest huts and pedestrian bridges over the pools, making the Hot Springs an attractive and beautiful destination. The water temperature in the pool reaches 104°C. The site is also a focal point for expedition participants crossing the Titiwangsa Range from Raub, Pahang.
