The Great Flood of 1926 in Perak

In 1926, a historic moment that remains unforgettable to every resident in the state of Perak at that time and throughout Malaya was the great flood that struck the entire state of Perak and subsequently spread across the whole of Malaya.

This event is better known as the Great Flood of 1926. Almost all residents in the state of Perak and Malaya endured the bitter suffering caused by the flood that destroyed lives and property. The flood submerged most of the state of Perak, especially settlements around the Perak River, Kinta River, and Batang Padang River, namely Hulu Perak, Kuala Kangsar, Kinta, Batang Padang, and Hilir Perak. In fact, the flood situation worsened as it began to hit the entire Malaya until December 28, 1926. This flood incident was caused by the low-lying land in Perak, as well as water levels that rose to exceed the banks of the Perak River, which usually stood at a height of 105 feet.

Following incessant heavy rain, on December 30, 1926, the water level rose above 143.8 feet, which was worse than the flood water levels in 1897. Additionally, the flood completely destroyed irrigation canals, paddy fields, and orchards. To assist the victims of this flood, a temporary resettlement and emergency relief movement was provided by the government. Therefore, to help the flood victims, a temporary resettlement and emergency relief movement was established by the government. For this purpose, approximately 10,000 to 12,000 resettlement units were prepared. A special train service was provided to transport flood victims from Kuala Kangsar to Taiping, and they were subsequently resettled at the Malay College, Kuala Kangsar.

The flood severed many major connecting roads in the state of Perak. Among them were:

• The Kuala Kangsar to Grik road, which cut off communication between Hulu Perak and the Kroh area.
• The Perak River floating bridge and other roads in Kuala Kangsar, as well as the Enggor floating bridge.
• The Enggor railway bridge, which sustained damage and halted train travel from the north to Kuala Kangsar.

Following this, a sum of RM25,000 was allocated to repair roads and bridges damaged by the flood. Furthermore, the state government also received contributions totaling RM100,000 from voluntary welfare bodies from across the Federated Malay States and the state of Perak to fund reconstruction efforts. Indeed, the great flood of that year recorded a dark chapter in Perak's history, and as a result, the government had to spend a high cost to restore conditions in Perak.

For your information, the 1926 flood that hit Perak also destroyed the Istana Sri Sayong located on the banks of the Perak River, forcing it to be replaced by the new Istana Iskandariah. That year, the flood also hit other states including Kelantan and Terengganu, causing the destruction of homes, roads, and crops. However, not many records were obtained regarding the disaster because, at that time, Malaya was ruled by the British.