The Story of Mek Yah, the Elephant from Perak That Walked Over 200 Miles
Mek Yah was an elephant who originally served the state government in the public sector. She was likely the first animal to work in the public service for the state of Perak.
In 1958, a year after our country achieved independence, the elephant named Mek Yah was approximately 74 years old. At that time, Mek Yah was tasked with transporting ballot boxes to every area in Hulu Perak. Mek Yah's role was undoubtedly crucial, as there were no vehicles and the road conditions were unsuitable for accessing the polling centers. Thus, the service of an elephant was required to transport the ballot boxes following the federal elections. In a historic festival for our nation, Mek Yah was also included in the delegation representing 23 countries for E.C.A.F.E at Stadium Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur, on March 8, 1958. Mek Yah, who could be considered the primary transport for the Veterinary Department for the previous 20 years, began her 200-mile walking mission, departing from Gerik on Sunday, February 23, 1958.
Mek Yah's 200-mile journey was a symbolic act and a grand festival designed to attract both domestic and international tourists. It also indirectly helped attract famous businessmen from around the world to visit the country. Mr. M.C. FF Sheppard, the head organizer of the festival program, gathered 25 experts in javelin throwing from Ulu Tembeling, Pahang, to take part in a ceremonial performance at the Sultan of Melaka's palace, just as in the olden days. A total of 50 police depot personnel from Kuala Lumpur, who were also sepak raga players, participated by performing scenes of ancient Melaka. Additionally, 50 women from the Malay Women's Training College performed a royal dance. Mr. Albert Yap, a descendant of Yap Ah Loy—the last Chinese Kapitan in Selangor—took part by portraying his ancestor in a reenactment of how Kuala Lumpur was captured by rebels in 1873.
The festival covered historical eras from 1025 to 1886, recounting four general stories. Below are the titles of the four stories featured in this historic festival.
- The story of the Gangga Negara era. (year 1025)
- The story of life during the Melaka Malay Sultanate. (year 1477)
- The story of the war between the Dutch and the Bugis trader, Raja Lumu. (year 1750)
- The story of the capture of Kuala Lumpur and its rise as the nation's capital. (year 1873)
The festival concluded with the arrival of the first train to enter Kuala Lumpur from Penang in 1885. The train carried Sultan Abdul Samad (the 5th Sultan of Selangor) and the Governor of the Straits Settlements, Sir Frederick Weld. Returning to the elephant who was very famous in Perak at the time, Mek Yah was later housed at the Sultan Idris Shah Wildlife Park, Taiping (now Zoo Taiping). There, visitors could experience the thrill of riding Mek Yah. At that time in 1966, the Perak state government kept two elephants for display at the Sultan Idris Shah Wildlife Park, Taiping. One was Mek Yah, who was estimated to be 82 years old, and the other was an elephant named Mek Chik, who was 5 years old.
On the morning of Monday, January 23, 1967, Mek Yah suddenly collapsed and died after being bathed and fed. Mek Yah died at the age of 83. Sources and references:
- Berita Harian, March 1, 1958
- Berita Harian, January 24, 1967
