History and Origins of the Name Bagan Serai
A small town called Bagan Serai is a mukim located within the Kerian district in our beloved state of Perak. Its location is near Gunung Semanggol, Alor Pongsu, Parit Buntar, Kuala Kurau, and Kuala Gula.
Meaning of Bagan Serai
Have you ever wondered about the history and how this town got its name? According to the elders in Bagan Serai, the word "Bagan" refers to a landing site or stopover, typically associated with specific activities at a jetty.
As for the word "Serai" (lemongrass), everyone knows it. It is a type of herbal plant that is a staple ingredient in Malay cuisine and is said to have been widely cultivated along the riverbanks. The combination of these two words, Bagan and Serai, created the name Bagan Serai.
Oral Tradition Version
There is another oral version stating that the name Bagan Serai originated from a group of migrants who moved to Tanah Melayu. It is said to have existed even before the arrival of the British colonialists. As we know, most of the migrants who came to Tanah Melayu were from Sumatra.
These migrants traveled by sea along the west coast until they stopped at the beach near Kuala Kurau. As they navigated the Kurau River, they looked for a suitable place to rest.
They eventually arrived at an area filled with lemongrass plants grown along the riverbank. They rested there, and because the area was suitable for settlement, the migrants unanimously decided to build their home there.
Therefore, that is how the inspiration arose to name the place Bagan Serai. This town has long been famous as the largest Banjar settlement in Malaysia and remains a point of pride for the people of Perak.
