The History of the 'Batu Tenggek' in Teluk Intan, Said to be 'Alive'
Teluk Intan is certainly famous for its well-known landmarks, such as the Leaning Tower of Teluk Intan, as well as the many dining spots in this town.
However, not many people are aware of the existence of the 'Batu Tenggek' (Perched Stone), which is a landmark located at the junction leading into the town of Teluk Intan. Situated at the four-way junction of Jalan Changkat Jong and the town of Teluk Intan, facing the Tabung Haji branch office, stands a World War Memorial stone monument known as the Teluk Intan Batu Tenggek. This Batu Tenggek is often included in lists of tourist attractions, yet there is not much information available regarding the origin of the stone.
Not many memorial monuments are built using a single large granite boulder like the one in Teluk Intan. This makes the Teluk Intan World War Memorial unique, and it may well be the only one of its kind in Malaysia. The idea to build a First World War Memorial to commemorate those who perished in the war was proposed by the Central Perak Planters Association as early as 1917, while the World War was still ongoing in Europe. This proposal was well-received by almost all branches of the association, with the Batang Padang and Taiping branches agreeing to participate in the construction of the monument and subsequently appointing Messrs. Jenkins and Tate as a sub-committee to consider the proposal. The Teluk Anson branch also agreed, but chose to build their own monument in the town of Teluk Anson.
This World War Memorial was inaugurated by Sir Theodore Fraser, General Officer Commanding (G.O.C.) Malaya, on Friday, January 16, 1926. The monument was built using a large granite boulder placed on a concrete base. This stone monument was erected at the junction of Jalan Dew and Jalan Batak Rabit, located on the grounds of the Lower Perak Club. The inauguration was accompanied by a military ceremony, followed by a speech from General Fraser. No names are inscribed on the monument because there were no records of residents from Teluk Anson who went to join the First World War in Europe. General Fraser was later honored at a dinner as a special guest of the Malay States Volunteer Rifles (M.S.V.R). There is no further information regarding the parties actually responsible for the construction of this memorial.
On the concrete base that supports the granite boulder, there is an inscription of “1914-1918” along with a poem written by an English poet and writer named Laurence Binyon, titled “For the Fallen”; “At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.” After the Second World War ended, the inscription “1939 – 1945” was added below the poem. However, due to exposure to sun and rain, the carvings have gradually faded and are now very difficult to see.
There is a local legend regarding this Batu Tenggek. According to oral stories from the original residents of Teluk Intan, they claim that the stone was originally only the size of a matchbox when it was left there by the British army. However, over time, it grew to its current size and is said to continue growing. Nevertheless, there are no authentic sources to serve as a reference other than the stories from the elders.
