Perak (Malay pronunciation:[peraʔ];Perak Malay:Peghok) is astate ofMalaysia on the west coast of theMalay Peninsula. Perak has land borders with the Malaysian states ofKedah to the north,Penang to the northwest,Kelantan andPahang to the east, andSelangor to the south.Thailand'sYala andNarathiwat provinces both lie to the northeast. Perak's capital city,Ipoh, was known historically for itstin-mining activities until the price of the metal dropped, severely affecting the state's economy. The royal capital remainsKuala Kangsar, where the palace of theSultan of Perak is located. The state's population is 2,000,000.
The discovery of an ancient skeleton in Perak revealed missing information on the migration ofHomo sapiens from mainlandAsia throughSoutheast Asia to theAustralian continent. Known asPerak Man, the skeleton is dated at around 10,000 years old. An earlyHindu orBuddhist kingdom, followed by several other minor kingdoms, existed before thearrival of Islam. By 1528, a Muslim sultanate began to emerge in Perak, out of the remnants of theMalaccan Sultanate. Although able to resist Siamese occupation for more than two hundred years, the sultanate was partly controlled by theSumatra-basedAceh Sultanate. This was particularly the case after the Aceh lineage took over the royal succession. With the arrival of theDutch East India Company (VOC), and the VOC's increasing conflicts with Aceh, Perak began to distance itself from Acehnese control. The presence of the EnglishEast India Company (EIC) in the nearbyStraits Settlements of Penang provided additional protection for the state, with further Siamese attempts to conquer Perak thwarted by British expeditionary forces.
TheAnglo-Dutch Treaty of 1824 was signed to prevent further conflict between the British and the Dutch. It enabled the British to expand their control in the Malay Peninsula without interference from other foreign powers. The1874 Pangkor Treaty provided for direct British intervention, with Perak appointing a BritishResident. Following Perak's subsequent absorption into theFederated Malay States (FMS), the British reformed administration of the sultanate through a new style of government, actively promoting amarket-driven economy and maintaining law and order while combatting theslavery widely practised across Perak at the time. The three-yearJapanese occupation inWorld War II halted further progress. After the war, Perak became part of the temporaryMalayan Union, before being absorbed into theFederation of Malaya. It gained full independence through the Federation, which subsequently became Malaysia on 16 September 1963.
Perak is ethnically, culturally and linguistically diverse. The state is known for several traditional dances:bubu,dabus, andlabu sayong, the latter name also referring to Perak's unique traditionalpottery. The head of state is theSultan of Perak, and the head of government is theMenteri Besar. The state government is closely modelled on theWestminster parliamentary system, with the state administration divided into administrative districts. There are 12 administrative districts in Perak, namely Batang Padang, Hilir Perak, Hulu Perak, Kampar, Kerman, Kinta, Kuala Kangsar, Larut Matang dan Selama, Manjung, Muslim, Perak Tengah and Pagan Datuk. Islam is thestate religion, and other religions may be practised freely.Malay is the official language of Perak but English, Mandarin and Tamil are widely spoken. The economy is mainly based onservices andmanufacturing.
There are many theories about the origin of the name Perak.[11][12] Although not used until after 1529, the most popular etymology is "silver" (inMalay:perak);[13] associated withtin mining from the state's largemineral deposits, reflecting Perak's position as one of the world's largest sources of tin.[11][14][15] The first Islamic kingdom established in the state was of the lineage of theSultanate of Malacca.[15] Some local historians have suggested that Perak was named after Malacca'sbendahara,Tun Perak.[11][16] In maps prior to 1561, the area is marked asPerat.[15] Other historians believe that the name Perak derives from the Malay phrase "kilatan ikan dalam air" (the glimmer offish in water), which looks like silver.[11][12] Perak has been translated intoArabic asدار الرضوان (Dār al-Riḍwān), "abode of grace".[17]
In 1959, a British artillery officer stationed at an inland army base during theMalayan Emergency discovered theTambun rock art, identified by archaeologists as the largestrock art site in the Malay Peninsula. Most of the paintings are located high above the cave floor, at an elevation of 6–10 metres (20–33 ft).[26][27]Seashells andcoral fragments scattered along the cave floor are evidence that the area was once underwater.[28]
The significant numbers of statues ofHindu deities and ofthe Buddha found inBidor, Kuala Selensing, Jalong, and Pengkalan Pegoh indicate that, before thearrival of Islam, the inhabitants of Perak were mainlyHindu orBuddhist. The influence of Indian culture and beliefs on society and values in the Malay Peninsula from early times is believed to have culminated in the semi-legendaryGangga Negara kingdom.[24][29][30] TheMalay Annals mention that Gangga Negara at one time fell underSiamese rule, before Raja Suran of Thailand sailed further south down the Malay Peninsula.[31]
By the 15th century, a kingdom named Beruas had come into existence.Inscriptions found on earlytombstones of the period show clearIslamic influence, believed to have originated from theSultanate of Malacca, the east coast of the Malay Peninsula, and the rural areas of thePerak River.[24][32] The first organised local government systems to emerge in Perak were the Manjung government and several other governments in Central and Hulu Perak (Upper Perak) under Raja Roman and Tun Saban.[24] With the spread of Islam, a sultanate subsequently emerged in Perak; the second oldest Muslim kingdom in the Malay Peninsula after the neighbouringKedah Sultanate.[33] Based onSalasilah Raja-Raja Perak (Perak Royal Genealogy), the Perak Sultanate was formed in the early 16th century on the banks of the Perak River by the eldest son ofMahmud Shah, the 8thSultan of Malacca.[34][35][36] He ascended to the throne as Muzaffar Shah I, first Sultan of Perak, after surviving thecapture of Malacca by thePortuguese in 1511 and living quietly for a period inSiak on the island ofSumatra. He became sultan through the efforts of Tun Saban, a local leader and trader between Perak and Klang.[35] There had been no sultan in Perak when Tun Saban first arrived in the area fromKampar in Sumatra.[37] Most of the area's residents were traders from Malacca andSelangor, and from Siak, Kampar, andJambi in Sumatra. Among them was an old woman, Tok Masuka fromDaik, who raised a Temusai child named Nakhoda Kassim.[37] Before her death, she called on the ancestors ofSang Sapurba to take her place, to prevent the royal lineage from disappearing from the Malay Peninsula. Tun Saban and Nakhoda Kassim then travelled to Kampar, where Mahmud Shah agreed to their request and named his son the first Sultan of Perak.[37][38]
Perak's administration became more organised after the sultanate was established and adopted Malacca's form of elective monarchy.[12] With the opening up of Perak in the 16th century, the state became a source of tin ore. It appears that anyone was free to trade in the commodity, although the tin trade did not attract significant attention until the 1610s.[39][40]
Throughout the 1570s, theSultanate of Aceh subjected most parts of the Malay Peninsula to continual harassment.[35][41] The sudden disappearance of Perak's SultanMansur Shah I in 1577 gave rise to rumours of abduction by Acehnese forces.[41] Soon afterwards, the late sultan's widow and his 16 children were taken as captives to Sumatra.[35][41] Sultan Mansur Shah I's eldest son, RajaAlauddin Mansur Syah, married an Acehnese princess and subsequently became the Sultan of Aceh. The Sultanate of Perak was left without a ruling monarch, and Perak nobles went to Aceh in the same year to ask the new Sultan Alauddin for a successor.[35] The ruler sent his younger brother to become Perak's third monarch. SultanAhmad Tajuddin Shah ruled Perak for seven years, maintaining the unbroken lineage of the Malacca dynasty.[35] Although Perak did fall under the authority of the Acehnese Sultanate, it remained entirely independent of Siamese control for over two hundred years from 1612,[41][42] in contrast with its neighbour, Kedah, and many of the Malay sultanates in the northern part of the Malay Peninsula, which becametributary states of Siam.[43][44] In 1620, the Acehnese sultanateinvaded Perak and captured its sultan.
When SultanSallehuddin Riayat Shah died without an heir in 1635, a state of uncertainty prevailed in Perak. This was exacerbated by a deadlycholera epidemic that swept through the state, killing many royal family members.[35] Perak chieftains were left with no alternative but to turn to Aceh's sultanIskandar Thani, who sent his relative, Raja Sulong, to become the new Sultan of Perak asMuzaffar Shah II.
Aceh's influence on Perak began to wane when theDutch East India Company (VOC) arrived, in the mid-17th century.[41] When Perak refused to enter into a contract with the VOC as its northern neighbours had done, a blockade of the Perak River was ordered that halted the tin trade, causing suffering among Aceh's merchants.[45] In 1650, Aceh's sultanaTaj ul-Alam ordered Perak to sign an agreement with the VOC, on the condition that the tin trade would be conducted exclusively with Aceh's merchants.[34][45][46][47] By the following year, the VOC had secured a monopoly over the tin trade, setting up a store in Perak.[48] Following long competition between Aceh and the VOC over Perak's tin trade,[49] on 15 December 1653, the two parties jointly signed a treaty with Perak granting the Dutch exclusive rights to tin extracted from mines located in the state.[35][50]
Afort was built onPangkor Island in 1670 to act as a warehouse to store tin ore mined in Perak even though Perak nobles had destroyed an earlier store structure, on orders from the Dutch base inBatavia.[48] This warehouse was also destroyed in further attacks in 1690, but was repaired when the Dutch returned with reinforcements.[48] In 1699, when the regionally dominantSultanate of Johor lost its last Malaccan dynasty sultan, SultanMahmud Shah II, Perak now had the sole claim of being the final heir of the Sultanate of Malacca. However, Perak could not match the prestige and power of either the Malacca or Johor Sultanates.[51]
The early 18th century started with 40 years of civil war where rival princes were bolstered by local chiefs, theBugis and Minang, fighting for a share of the tin revenue. The Bugis and several Perak chiefs were successful in ousting the Perak ruler, Sultan Muzaffar Riayat Shah III in 1743.[51] In 1747, Sultan Muzaffar Riayat Shah III, now only holding power in the area of Upper Perak, signed a treaty with Dutch Commissioner Ary Verbrugge under which Perak's ruler recognised the Dutch monopoly over the tin trade, agreed to sell all tin ore to Dutch traders, and allowed the Dutch to build a new warehouse fort on the Perak River estuary.[52] With construction of the new warehouse near the Perak River (also known as Sungai Perak), the old warehouse was abandoned permanently and left in ruins.[48]
The mid-18th century saw Sultan Muzaffar ruling inland Perak while the coastal region was ruled by Raja Iskandar, animosity grew between the two as Raja Iskandar was unable to reach the tin-bearing highlands while the Sultan had restricted access to the strait. Reconciliation occurred later with Iskandar's marriage to the Sultan's daughter. His[whose?] accession in 1752 saw unprecedented peace in Perak, especially due to an alliance (which lasted until 1795) with the Dutch to protect Perak against external attacks.[53]
When repeatedBurmese invasions resulted in thedestruction and defeat of the SiameseAyutthaya Kingdom in 1767 by the BurmeseKonbaung dynasty, neighbouring Malay tributary states began to assert their independence from Siam.[54] To further develop Perak's tin mines, the Dutch administration suggested that its 17th sultan, Alauddin Mansur Shah Iskandar Muda, should allowChinese miners into Perak. The sultan himself encouraged the scheme in 1776, requesting that additional Chinese workers be sent fromDutch Malacca.[55] TheFourth Anglo-Dutch War in 1780 adversely affected the tin trade in Perak, and many Chinese miners left.[56] In a move which angered the Siamese court, neighbouring Kedah's SultanAbdullah Mukarram Shah then entered into an agreement with the BritishEast India Company (EIC),cedingPenang Island to the British in 1786 in exchange for protection.[57][58][59]
Siam regained strength under theThonburi Kingdom, led byTaksin, after freeing itself from Burmese occupation. After repelling anotherlarge-scale Burmese invasion, theRattanakosin Kingdom (Chakri dynasty) led byRama I, as the successor of the Thonburi Kingdom, turned its attention to its insubordinate southern Malay subjects, fearing renewed attacks from Burma along the western seaboard of the Malay Peninsula.[43][61] Attention to the south was also needed because of disunity and rivalries among the various southern tributary sultanates, stemming from personal conflicts and a reluctance to submit to Siamese authority.[61] One example of this resistance was theSultanate of Pattani under Sultan Muhammad, who refused to aid Siam during the Siamese war of liberation. This led Rama I's younger brother,Prince Surasi, to attack Pattani in 1786. Many Malays were killed, and survivors were taken to the Siamese stronghold inBangkok asslaves.[44][54][62][63] Siam's subjugation of Pattani served as a warning to the other Malay tributary states, particularly Kedah, they too having been forced to provide thousands of men, and food supplies, throughout the Siamese resistance campaign against the Burmese.[44][64]
In 1795, the Dutch temporarily withdrew from Malacca for the duration of theNapoleonic Wars in Europe. Malacca's authority was transferred to the BritishResident.[34][65] When war ended, the Dutch returned to administer Malacca in 1818.[66] In 1818, the Dutch monopoly over the tin trade in Perak was renewed, with the signing of a new recognition treaty.[67] In the same year as when Perak refused to send abunga mas tribute to the Siamese court, the kingRama II of Siam had Kedah attack Perak. The Sultanate of Kedah knew the intention behind the order was to weaken ties between fellow Malay states,[64][68][69] but complied, unable to resist Siam's further territorial expansion into inland Hulu Perak. Siam's tributary Malay state, theKingdom of Reman, then illegally operated tin mines in Klian Intan, angering the Sultan of Perak and provoking a dispute that escalated into civil war. Reman, aided by Siam, succeeded in controlling several inland districts.[70]
In 1821, Siam invaded andconquered the Sultanate of Kedah, angered by a breach of trust.[61][64][71] The exiled Sultan of Kedah turned to the British to help him regain his throne, despite Britain's policy of non-engagement in expensive minor wars in the Malay Peninsula at the time, which the EIC upheld through theGovernor-General of India.[44][69] Siam's subsequent plan to extend its conquests to the southern territory of Perak[41][66][69] failed after Perak defeated the Siamese forces with the aid of mixedBugis and Malay reinforcements from theSultanate of Selangor.[41][44][68][71] As an expression of gratitude to Selangor for assisting it to defeat Siam, Perak authorised Raja Hasan of Selangor to collecttaxes andrevenue in its territory. This power, however, was soon misused, causing conflict between the two sultanates.[72][73]
1899 map showing neighbouring Malay states Kedah,Kelantan, Perlis and Terengganu, which sent abunga mas to the Siamese court every three years before their cession to theBritish under the 1909Anglo-Siamese Treaty. Perak's interior shown under Siamese tributary theReman Kingdom, before recovery with British help in 1909.[70][74][75]
1907 British map of the Malay Peninsula, showing Perak (green outline), theStraits Settlements including Dindings (red), northern Malay Siamese tributary states (yellow), and Sultanates of Pahang andSelangor (brown and orange)
When the EIC established a British presence in Penang, the British already had a trading post inSingapore, avoiding involvement in the affairs of the nearby Malay sultanates.[76] In 1822, the British authority inIndia sent British diplomatJohn Crawfurd to Siam to negotiate trade concessions and gather information with a view to restoring the Sultan of Kedah to the throne. The mission failed.[77] In 1823, the Sultanates of Perak and Selangor signed a joint agreement to block the Dutch tin monopoly in their territories.[67] EIC policy shifted with theFirst Anglo-Burmese War in 1824 with Siam becoming an important ally.[69]
Through its governor,Robert Fullerton, Penang tried to convince the main EIC authority in India to continue helping the Sultan of Kedah to regain his throne.[78] Throughout 1824, Siam aimed to expand its control towards Perak and Selangor.[79] The dispute between the British and Dutch formally ceased when Dutch Malacca in the Malay Peninsula was exchanged withBritish Bencoolen in Sumatra, both parties agreeing to limit their sphere of influence through the signing of the1824 Anglo-Dutch Treaty.[80] In July 1825, an initial negotiation was held between Siam, represented by their tributary state theKingdom of Ligor, and the EIC.[81] The King of Ligor promised that Siam would not send its armada to Perak and Selangor, resolving the issue of its attacks. The British renounced any aspiration of conquering Perak or interfering in its administration, promising to prevent Raja Hasan of Selangor from making trouble in Perak, and to try to reconcile the differences between Selangor and Ligor.[81] A month later, in August 1825, Sultan of SelangorIbrahim Shah signed a friendship and peace treaty with the EIC, represented by John Anderson, ending the long feud between the governments of Selangor and Perak.[82] Under the treaty, Selangor gave assurances to the British that it would not interfere in the affairs of Perak; the border between Perak and Selangor was finalised; and Raja Hasan of Selangor was to be immediately exiled from Perak, paving the way for peace between the two Malay states and the resolution of the power struggle between the British and Siam.[82]
Pangkor Island within Dindings in the British Straits Settlements,c. 1874
In 1826, the Kingdom of Ligor broke its promise and attempted to conquer Perak. A small British expeditionary force thwarted the attack. The Sultan of Perak then ceded to the British Dindings and Pangkor (the two now constituteManjung District) so that the British could suppresspirate activity along the Perak coast where it became part of theStraits Settlements.[59] The same year, the British and Siam concluded theBurney Treaty, signed by British CaptainHenry Burney and the Siamese government, the British agreed not to intercede in the affairs of Kedah despite their friendly relations with Kedah's ruler, and the Siamese agreed not to attack Perak or Selangor.[83][84]
Women of different ethnic groups in Perak; the majorityChinese, with someMalay andMandailing employed astin miners in the late 19th century
The discovery of tin in Larut and rapid growth of the tin ore trade in the 19th century saw an increasing influx of Chinese labour. Later, rivalry developed between two Chinesesecret societies. This, coupled with internal political strife between two factions of Perak's local Malay rulers, escalated into theLarut Wars in 1861.[85][86] After 21 years of wars, neighbouring Kedah freed itself from full Siamese rule in 1843, although it remained a Siamese tributary state until 1909.[59][68] By 1867, the link between the Straits Settlements on the Malay coast and the British authority in India was broken, with separate administration and the transfer of the respective territories to theColonial Office.[76] TheAnglo-Dutch Treaties of 1870–1871 enabled the Dutch to consolidate control over Aceh in Sumatra. This later escalated into theAceh War.[87][88]
Internal conflicts ensued in Perak. In 1873, the ruler of one of Perak's two local Malay factions, RajaAbdullah Muhammad Shah II, wrote to the Governor of the Straits Settlements,Andrew Clarke, requesting British assistance.[89] This resulted in theTreaty of Pangkor, signed on Pangkor Island on 20 January 1874, under which the British recognised Abdullah as the legitimate Sultan of Perak.[90] In return, the treaty provided for direct British intervention through the appointment of a Resident who would advise the sultan on all matters except religion and customs, and oversee revenue collection and general administration, including maintenance of peace and order.[91] Britain's first priority in the region was preventing the internecine warfare among the Chinese at Larut which had been disrupting trade, and in bringing about an end to the piracy plaguing the region.[92]
The treaty marked the introduction of aBritish residential system, with Perak going on to become part of theFederated Malay States (FMS) in 1895. It was also a shift from the previous British policy of non-intervention in Perak's affairs.[59][89][90][74]James W. W. Birch was appointed as Perak's firstBritish Resident, andCaptain Speedy, already stationed at Larut with a number ofSepoys, was appointed Assistant Resident.[92] However, Birch's inability to understand and communicate well with the locals, ignorance of Malay customs, and disparagement of the efforts of the sultan and his dignitaries to implement British tax control and collection systems caused resentment. This was also not helped by a lack of a coherent British policy for the area, and poor understanding from the Sultanate as to the implications of a British Resident.[92] As a result, local nationalistMaharaja Lela and the new monarch, Sultan Abdullah Muhammad Shah II, opposed him, and the following year, in 1875, Birch was assassinated through a conspiracy of local Malay dignitaries Seputum, Pandak Indut, Che Gondah, and Ngah Ahmad.[34][95] The assassination angered the British authority, and following anti-British uprisings in several areas, a major military campaign was fought by the British in Perak in 1875-76. The perpetrators were arrested and executed and the sultan and his chiefs, also suspected of involvement in the plot, werebanished to theBritish Seychelles in theIndian Ocean in 1876.[96][97] The swiftness of the campaign would also act as a wake-up call to the chiefs that, unlike their other rivals, the British thoroughly intended to make their mark on the country, and had the power to enforce it.[98]
British female explorer, naturalist and writerIsabella Bird led by two local men in her first ride on elephant in Perak,c. 1883
During his exile, the Sultan had the use of a government-owned residence at Union Vale inVictoria,Mahé. The other exiled chiefs were given allowances but remained under strict surveillance. The sultan and his chiefs were temporarily relocated toFélicité Island for five years, before being allowed to return to Victoria in 1882 when the turmoil in Perak had subsided. The sultan led a quiet life in the Seychellois community, and had communications access toGovernment House.[99] After many years, the Sultan was pardoned following petitioning by the Seychellois and correspondence between W. H. Hawley of Government House, Mauritius, andSecretary of State for the ColoniesHenry Holland. He was allowed to return to the Malay Peninsula, and spent most of his later life in Singapore and Penang before returning toKuala Kangsar in Perak in 1922.[99][100]
Group portrait of 4th British ResidentHugh Low and two Perak and Larut Malay rajas,c. 1880–1881
Being the only candidate to the Sultanate who could be confidently ascertained to be innocent of the plot, Abdullah's brotherYusuf was dully appointed Sultan, albeit one that would be considered far more of a British puppet than before. Despite this, the Malay population seemed largely to welcome the British as a source of stability compared to the often feuding chiefs.[98] Initially, the now vacant role of British Resident was taken over byJames Guthrie Davidson, a previous resident of Selangor. However, the low pay and insecure position resulted in him disengaging from the role and leaving after only one year in office. Needing someone both local and skilled enough to handle the complicated circumstances of Perak, the Governor would subsequently appoint the more experienced Hugh Low, who had spent much of the past twenty-eight years in nearbyLabuan, and who was considered a safe pair of hands by both London and the Governor.[101]
British Resident in PerakHugh Low proved an effective administrator, preferring to adopt a generous approach that avoided confrontation with local leaders. As a result, he was able to secure the co-operation of many rajas and villagepenghulu with his policy rather than resorting to force, despite giving transport infrastructure little attention during his term.[34][102][103] In 1882,Frank Swettenham succeeded Low for a second term as the Resident of Perak. During his mandate, Perak's rail and road infrastructure was put in place. Increasing numbers of labourers were brought from India, primarily to work as railway and municipalcoolies.[55][103]
The British introduced several changes to the local political structure, exerting influence on the appointment of the sultan and restricting the power of his chiefs to Malay local matters. The sultan and his chiefs were no longer entitled to collect taxes but received a monthly allowance from the state treasury in compensation.[104] British intervention marked the beginning of Perak's transition from a primarily Malay society to a multi-ethnic one. The new style of government worked to promote amarket-driven economy, maintain law and order, and combatslavery, seen by the British as an obstacle to economic development and incompatible with acapitalist economy.[104]
Under theAnglo-Siamese Treaty, signed in Bangkok in 1909, Siam ceded its northern Malay tributary states of Kedah,Kelantan, Perlis, andTerengganu and nearby islands toGreat Britain. Exceptions were thePatani region, which remained under Siamese rule, and Perak, which regained the previously lost inland territory that became theHulu Perak District.[70][75] The treaty terms stipulated that the British, through their government of the FMS, would assume responsibility for all debts owed to Siam by the four ceded Malay states, and relinquish Britishextraterritorial rights in Siam.[105]
Early in July 1941, aCeylonese Malay policeman serving under the British administration in Perak raised an alert after a Japanese business owner living in the same building told him thatJapanese troops were on their way, approaching not around Singapore from the sea, as expected by the British, but fromKota Bharu in Kelantan, withbicycle infantry andrubber boats.[55] The policeman informed the British Chief Police Officer in Ipoh, but his claim was laughed off.[55] By 26 December 1941, theImperial Japanese Army (IJA) had arrived in Ipoh, the capital, moving southwards from Thailand. The following day they went on toTaiping, leaving destruction and heavy casualties in their wake.[106] The British forces, retreating from the north of the Malay Peninsula under Lieutenant-GeneralLewis Heath, had moved a further 80–100 miles (130–160 km) to the Perak River (Sungai Perak), damaging the route behind them to slow the Japanese advance.[106] With the approval of Lieutenant-GeneralArthur Percival, the British mounted a defensive stand near the river mouth and inKampar, leaving the towns of Ipoh, Kuala Kangsar and Taiping unguarded.[106]
European administrator civilians from Penang having their break in Ipoh Station before proceeding south to Singapore during the war,c. 1941
Most civil administrations were closed down, since the European administrators and civilians evacuated south.[106] By mid-December, the Japanese had reachedKroh in the interior of Perak, moving in from Kota Bharu in Kelantan. The Japanese arrived both from the east and by boat along the western coast.[106] Within 16 days of their first landings, they had captured the entire northern part of the Malay Peninsula. The British were left trying to blockade the main road heading south from Ipoh. While the defending troops briefly slowed the Japanese at theBattle of Kampar and at the mouth of the Perak River, the Japanese advance along the trunk road, followed up with bombing and water-borne incursions, forced the British to retreat further south.[106][107]
The Japanese occupied all of Malaya and Singapore. Tokugawa Yoshichika, of theTokugawa clan whose ancestors wereShoguns who ruled Japan from the 16th to 19th centuries, proposed a plan for reform. Under its terms,Johor, Terengganu, Kelantan, Kedah-Penang, and Perlis would be restored and federated. Johor would control Perak, Selangor,Negeri Sembilan, and Malacca. An 800-square-mile (2,100 km2) area in southern Johor would be incorporated intoSingapore for defence purposes.[108]
In the context of the military alliance between Japan and Thailand and their joint participation in theBurma campaign against the Allied forces, in 1943 theEmpire of Japan gave Thailand back its former Malay tributary states of Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis, and Terengganu, which had been ceded to the British under the 1909 treaty. These territories were then administered as Thailand'sFour Malay States (Thai:สี่รัฐมาลัย), with Japanese troops maintaining a presence.[109][110] Perak suffered under harsh military control, restricted movement, and tight surveillance throughout the Japanese occupation until 1945.[24][111] The press in occupied Malaya, including the English-language occupation-era newspaperThe Perak Times, was entirely under the control of theDōmei News Agency (Dōmei Tsushin), publishingJapanese-related war propaganda. The Dōmei News Agency also printed newspapers in Malay,Tamil,Chinese, and Japanese.[112]
The indigenousOrang Asli stayed in the interior during the occupation. Much of their community was befriended byMalayan Communist Party guerrillas, who protected them from outsiders in return for information on the Japanese and their food supplies.[113] Strong resistance came mainly from the ethnic Chinese community, while some Malays collaborated with the Japanese through theKesatuan Melayu Muda (KMM) movement for Malayan independence. But Malay support waned with increasingly harsh Japanese treatment of civilians during the occupation.[114] Two Chineseguerrilla organisations operated within Perak in northern Malaya. One, the Overseas Chinese Anti-Japanese Army (OCAJA), was aligned with theKuomintang. The other, theMalayan Peoples' Anti-Japanese Army (MPAJA), was closely associated with theChinese Communist Party. Although both opposed the Japanese, there were clashes between the two groups.[115]
Sybil Kathigasu, a Eurasian nurse and member of the Perak resistance, was tortured after the JapaneseKempeitai military police discovered a clandestineshortwave radio set in her home.[116][117] John Davis, an officer of the British commandoForce 136, part of theSpecial Operations Executive (SOE), trained local guerrillas prior to the Japanese invasion at the 101 Special Training School in Singapore, where he sought Chinese recruits for their commando teams.[118] Under the codename Operation Gustavus, Davis and five Chinese agents landed on the Perak coast north of Pangkor Island on 24 May 1943. They established a base camp in the Segari Hills, from which they moved to the plains to set up an intelligence network in the state.[118] In September 1943, they met and agreed to co-operate with the MPAJA, which then provided Force 136 with support and manpower. This first intelligence network collapsed, when many of its leaders, includingLim Bo Seng, were caught, tortured and killed by theKempeitai in June 1944.[118] On 16 December 1944, a second intelligence network, comprising five Malay SOE agents and two British liaison officers, Major Peter G. Dobree and Captain Clifford, wasparachuted into Padang Cermin, nearTemenggor Lake Dam in Hulu Perak under the codename Operation Hebrides. Its main objective was to set up wireless communications between Malaya and Force 136 headquarters inKandy,British Ceylon, after the MPAJA's failure to do so.[110]
The Malay states became unstable following Japan's surrender to theAllies in 1945. This was exacerbated by the emergence of nationalism and a popular demand for independence as theBritish Military Administration took over from 1945 to 1946 to maintain peace and order, before the British began introducing new administrative systems under theMalayan Union.[24] The four Malay states held by Thailand during the war were returned to the British. This was done under a proposal by theUnited States, offering Thailand admission to theUnited Nations (UN) and a substantial American aid package to support its economy after the war.[119][120] The MPAJA, under theCommunist Party of Malaya (CPM), had fought alongside the British against the Japanese, and most of its members received awards at the end of the war. However, party policy become radicalised under the authority of Perak-bornChin Peng, who took over the CPM administration after former leaderLai Teck disappeared with party funds.[121]
Under Chin's authority, the MPAJA killed those they considered to have been Japanese collaborators during the war, who were mainly Malays. This sparkedracial conflict and Malay retaliation. Death squads were also dispatched by the CPM to murder European plantation owners in Perak, andKuomintang leaders inJohor. The Malayan government's subsequent declaration of astate of emergency on 18 June 1948 marked the start of theMalayan Emergency.[121][123] Perak and Johor became the main strongholds of the communist movement, the former through native-born figureheads likeAbdullah CD andRashid Maidin.[124] In the early stages their actions were not co-ordinated, and the security forces were able to counter them.[125][126] Earlier in 1947, the head of the Perak'sCriminal Investigation Department, H. J. Barnard, negotiated an arrangement with the Kuomintang-influenced OCAJA leaderLeong Yew Koh. This resulted in most OCAJA members being absorbed into the national Special Constabulary, and fighting against the MPAJA's successor, theMalayan National Liberation Army (MNLA).[115]
SirGerald Templer and his assistant, Major Lord Wynford, inspecting the Kinta Valley Home Guard (KVHG), Perak,c. 1952
TheKinta Valley, one of the richest tin mining areas in Malaya, accounted for most of the country's tin exports to the United States. On 1 May 1952, the Perak Chinese Tin Mining Association established the Kinta Valley Home Guard (KVHG) to protect it from the communists. Often described as a private Chinese Army, most of the KVHG's Chinese members had links to the Kuomintang.[127][128] Many of the Kuomintang guerrillas were absorbed from the Lenggong area, where there were also members of Chinese secret societies whose main purpose was to defend Chinese private property against the communists.[55] Throughout the first emergency the British authorities and their Malayan collaborators fought against the communists. This continued even after the proclamation of the independence of theFederation of Malaya, on 31 August 1957. As a result, most of the communist guerrillas were successfully pushed across the northern border into Thailand.[125] Otherradical left nationalist movements started in Perak like those underAhmad Boestamam andBurhanuddin al-Helmy; but were eventually overwhelmed by theUnited Malays National Organisation's local mobilisation in the same decade.[124]
In 1961, the Prime Minister of the Federation of Malaya,Tunku Abdul Rahman, sought to unite Malaya with the British colonies ofNorth Borneo,Sarawak, andSingapore.[129] TheFederation of Malaysia came into being on 16 September 1963, despite growing opposition from the governments ofIndonesia and thePhilippines, and from communist sympathisers and nationalists in Borneo.[130][131] The Indonesian government later initiated a "policy ofconfrontation" against the new state.[132] This prompted the British, and their alliesAustralia andNew Zealand, to deploy armed forces, although no skirmishes arising from the Indonesian attacks occurred around Perak.[133][134] Asecond communist insurgency began in the Malay Peninsula in 1968. This affected Perak mainly through attacks from Hulu Perak by the communist insurgents who had previously retreated to the Thai border.[135] The Perak State Information Office launched two types ofpsychological warfare to counter the increasingcommunist propaganda disseminated from the insurgents' hide-out. The campaign against the second insurgency was carried out as two separate efforts, because communist activities in Perak were split into two factions. One faction involved infiltrators from across the Thai border; the other was a communist group living among local inhabitants.[136]
With the end of British rule in Malaya and the subsequent formation of the Federation of Malaysia, new factories were built and many new suburbs developed in Perak. But there was also risingradicalism among local Malay Muslims, with increasingIslamisation initiated by several religious organisations, and by Islamic preachers and intellectuals who caught the interest of both Malay royalty and commoners.[137] Good relations with the country's rulers resulted in Islamic scholars being appointed as palace officers and dignitaries, teachers, and religious judges, contributing to the further spread of Islam. Islam is now seen as a major factor that shaped current attitudes towards standing up for Malay rights.[138]
Perak has a total land area of 20,976 square kilometres (8,099 sq mi), and is situated in the west of the Malay Peninsula on the coast of theStrait of Malacca.[1] Itsexclusive economic zone (EEZ) extends into the Strait.[139] It is the second largest Malaysian state on the Malay Peninsula, and the fourth largest in Malaysia.[140][141] The state has 230 kilometres (140 mi) of coastline, of which 140.2 kilometres (87.1 mi) are affected bycoastal erosion.[142]Mangrove forests grow along most of Perak's coast, with the exception of Pangkor Island, with its richflora andfauna, where several of the country'sforest reserves are located.[143][144][145]
There is extensiveswampland along the coastalalluvial zones of the west coast between central Perak and southernSelangor.[146] Perak has an overall totalforest cover of 1,027,404.31 hectares (2,538,771 acres), including 939,403.01 hectares (2,321,315 acres) offorest lands, 41,616.75 hectares (102,837 acres) of mangroves, and another 2,116.55 hectares (5,230 acres) of forest plantations.[147] A total of 995,284.96 hectares (2,459,403 acres) of forest has been gazetted by the state government as forest reserve, scattered across 68 areas throughout the state.[148]
Perak's geology is characterised by eruptive masses, which form itshills andmountain ranges. The state is divided by threemountain chains into the threeplains of Kinta, Larut and Perak, running parallel to the coast.[149] TheTitiwangsa Range passes along the eastern borders of Perak, with its highest point, the 2,183-metre (7,162 ft)Mount Korbu, is located in the district of Kinta near the border with the state of Kelantan.[150][151] Other mountain ranges in Perak are theBintang Mountains and theKeledang Range. Alluvium covers much of the plains, with detached masses ofsedimentary rock appearing at rare intervals.[149]
An extensive network of rivers originates from the inland mountain ranges and hills.[34] Perak's borders with the states of Kedah, Penang and Selangor are marked by rivers, including theBernam andKerian Rivers.[152] Perak has 11 majorriver basins of more than 80 km (50 miles). Of these, thePerak River basin is the largest, with an area of 14,908 km2 (5,756 sq mi), about 70% of the total area of the state. It is the second largest river basin on the Malay Peninsula, after the Pahang River basin.[153] The Perak River is the longest river in the state, at some 400 km (250 miles), and is the Malay Peninsula's second longest after thePahang River. It originates in the mountains of the Perak-Kelantan-Yala border, snaking down to the Strait of Malacca.[154][155][156] Other major rivers include the Beruas, Jarum Mas, Kurau, Larut, Manjung, Sangga Besar, Temerloh, and Tiram Rivers.[157]
Perak is located in atropical region with a typically hot, humid and wetequatorial climate, and experiences significant rainfall throughout the year.[158] The temperature remains fairly constant, between 21 and 27 °C (70 and 81 °F).Humidity is often above 80%.[159][160] Annual rainfall is about 3,000 millimetres (120 in), with the central area of the state receiving an average of 5,000 mm (200 in) of rain.[161][162] The state experiences twomonsoon seasons: the northeast and southwest seasons. The northeast season occurs from November to March, the southwest from May to September, and the transitional months for the monsoon seasons are April and June. The northeast monsoon brings heavy rains, especially in the upper areas of Hulu Perak, causing floods.[163] Little effect of the southwest monsoon is felt in the Kinta Valley, although coastal areas of southern Perak occasionally experiencethunderstorms, heavy rain and strong, gusting winds in the predawn and early morning.[164][165]
The jungles of Perak are highlybiodiverse. The state's main natural park,Royal Belum State Park, covers an area of 117,500 hectares (290,349 acres) in northern Perak. It contains 18 species offrog andtoad, 67 species ofsnake, more than 132 species ofbeetle, 28 species ofcicada, 97 species ofmoth, and 41 species ofdragonfly anddamselfly.[166] The park was further gazetted as a National Heritage Site by the federal government in 2012, and was inscribed on theWorld Heritage Site tentative list ofUNESCO in 2017.[167] Royal Belum State Park also hosts an estimated 304bird species, includingmigratory species, in addition to birds endemic to the three forest reserve areas of Pangkor Island.[168][169] Tenhornbill species are found within the area, including large flocks of theplain-pouched hornbill. Mammal species include theSeladang,Asian elephant, andMalayan tiger. The area is also notable for harbouring high concentrations of at least threeRafflesia species.[170] The Pulau Sembilan (Nine Islands) State Park in western Perak covers an area of 214,800 hectares (530,782 acres).[171] Itscoral reefs are home tocoral reef fish species.[172] In addition, 173 freshwater fish species have been identified as native to the state.[173] Another natural attraction, the tin-mining ponds in Kinta District, was gazetted as a state park in 2016. The Kinta Nature Park, Perak's third state park, covers an area of 395.56 hectares (977 acres).[174][175]
The government of Perak has stated its commitment to protecting its forests to ensure the survival ofendangered wildlife species, and to protect biodiversity.[176] The Perak Forestry Department is the state body responsible for forest management and preservation.[177] In 2013, the state planted some 10.9 milliontrees under the "26 Million Tree Planting Campaign: One Citizen One Tree", associated with globalEarth Day.[178]
Widespread conversion and reclamation of mangroves andmudflats for economic and residential purposes has caused the rapid decline of shore birds, 86% of the reduction on the Malay Peninsula having occurred on Perak's coasts.[179]Poaching in forest reserve areas has caused a stark decline inmammal populations. The Perak State Park Corporation estimates that there were only 23Malayan tigers left within the state's two forest reserves of Royal Belum and Temenggor in 2019.[180] The state government of Perak has also been blamed in part for destroying forest reserves for the lucrativewood andpalm oil businesses. Records since 2009 reveal that more than 9,000 hectares (22,239 acres) of permanent forest reserves have been degazetted in the state, the latest occurring within the Bikam Permanent Forest Reserve in July 2013.[181] A number of business activities permitted by the state government have caused environmental damage, including to many of Perak's rivers, which require extensive water treatment because of severe pollution.[182][183][184] Between 1982 and 1994, the state government was embroiled in aradioactive environmental pollution controversy over the deaths of seven residents who suffered frombirth defects andleukaemia resulting from exposure. The factory involved was only closed and cleaned up following lengthy court action by affected residents and increasing international pressure. No responsibility has been accepted by the associated companies, the state government, or the federal government.[185][186] Although Perak has the highest number of mangrove reserves of the Malay Peninsula states, with 19 reserves in the mangroves of Matang,[187] growing uncontrolled clearance of mangroves foraquaculture projects and residential areas is causing significantcoastal erosion in addition to the damage resulting fromclimate change.[182]
Perak is aconstitutional monarchy, with a ruler elected by an electoral college composed of the major chiefs.[188] The sultan is the constitutional head of Perak. The currentSultan of Perak isNazrin Shah, who acceded to the throne on 29 May 2014.[189] The main royal palace is theIskandariah Palace in Kuala Kangsar. Kinta Palace in Ipoh is used by the sultan as an occasional residence during official visits.[190][191] Other palaces in Ipoh include the Al-Ridhuan Palace, Cempaka Sari Palace, and Firuz Palace.[191]
The state government is headed by aMenteri Besar (Chief Minister), assisted by an 11-memberExecutive Council (Exco) selected from the members of thePerak State Legislative Assembly.[192] The 59-seat Assembly is the legislative branch of Perak's government, responsible for making laws in matters regarding the state. It is based on theWestminster system. Members of the Assembly are elected by citizens every five years byuniversal suffrage. The Chief Minister is appointed on the basis of his or her ability to command a majority in the Assembly. The majority (33 seats) is currently held byBarisan Nasional (BN) andPakatan Harapan (PH).
Prior to the major British overhaul of Perak's administration,slavery was widely practised along with a type ofcorvée labour system, calledkerah. The chief of a given area could call on his citizens to work asforced labour without pay, although under normal circumstances food was still provided.[104][193] The system was created to ensure the maintenance of the ruling class. It was often described as onerous and demanding, as there were times when the call to duty, and its duration, interfered with citizens' individual work.[193] The slaves were divided into two classes:debtor-bondsmen and ordinary slaves. The debtor-bondsmen had the higher status, being ranked as free men and acknowledged as members of their masters' society. In contrast, the ordinary slaves had no prospect of status redemption. As Islam does not allow enslavement of fellow Muslims, the ordinary slaves came mainly from non-Muslim groups, especially the Orang Asli,Batak, andAfricans purchased by Malays onpilgrimage inMecca.[113][193]
State administration issues and subsequent 2009 constitutional crisis
The oppositionPakatan Rakyat (PR) coalition won in Perak in the2008 general election. Although theDemocratic Action Party (DAP) had won the most seats of the opposition parties,Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin of thePan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) was appointedMenteri Besar of the state.[194] This happened because the state constitution states that theMenteri Besar must be aMuslim, unless the sultan specially appoints a non-Muslim to the office.[195][196] As the DAP did not have any Muslim assemblymen in Perak at that time, theMenteri Besar had to come from one of its two allied parties, thePeople's Justice Party (PKR) or the PAS.[195] However, the national ruling party,Barisan Nasional (BN), gained control over the state government administration when three PR assemblymen,Hee Yit Foong (Jelapang), Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi (Behrang), and Mohd Osman Mohd Jailu (Changkat Jering) defected to the BN as independent assemblymen during the crisis, on 3 February 2009.[197][198] A statement from the office of the Sultan of Perak urged the PRMenteri Besar to resign, but also refused to dissolve the State Legislative Assembly, which would have triggered new elections.[199] Amid multiple protests, lawsuits and arrests, a new BN-led Assembly was sworn in on 7 May. The takeover was then ruled illegal by theHigh Court in Kuala Lumpur, on 11 May 2009, restoring power to the PR.[200][201] The following day, theCourt of Appeal of Malaysia suspended the High Court ruling pending a new Court of Appeal judgement. On 22 May 2009, the Court of Appeal overturned the High Court's decision and returned power to the BN. Many opposition party supporters believed that the crisis was effectively a "power grab", in which the democratically elected government was ousted through the political machinations of the more dominant national ruling party.[201][202]
Perak is divided into 12districts (daerah), 81mukims, and 15 local governments.[218][219] There are district officers for each district and a village chief (ketua kampung orpenghulu) for each village in the district. Before the British arrived, Perak was run by a group of relatives and friends of the sultan who held rights to collect taxes and duties.[104] The British developed a more organised administration following Perak's integration into theFederated Malay States (FMS). The FMS government created two institutions, the State Council and the Malay Administrative Service (MAS).[104] The two institutions encouraged direct Malay participation and gave the former ruling class a place in the new administrative structure. Most of the sultan's district chiefs removed from authority at that time were given new positions in the State Council, although their influence was restricted to Malay social matters raised in council business. The sultan and the district chiefs were compensated for their loss of tax revenue with a monthly allowance from the state treasury.[104]
The role of the localpenghulus changed considerably when they were appointed no longer by the sultan but by the British Resident.[220] Colonial land policy introduced individual landholding, thereby making land a commodity, and thepenghulu were then involved in matters relating to this property.[104] The Perak State Council was established in 1875 to assist the British Resident in most administrative matters. It also brought together the Malay chiefs and Chinese leaders (Kapitan Cina) to deal with certain administrative issues relating to Perak's growing Malay and Chinese populations.[104] The State Council also helped provide education and training to assist Malays in qualifying for government positions. When the post of the FMS Resident was abolished, other European-held administrative posts were gradually occupied by local appointees. As in the rest of Malaysia, local government comes under the purview of state government.[104]
Note: Population data for Hilir Perak, Bagan Datuk, Batang Padang, and Muallim are based on district land office data. Selama is an autonomous sub-district (daerah kecil) under Larut, Matang and Selama.[222] Most districts and sub-districts have a single local government, excepting Hulu Perak and Kinta, respectively divided into three (Gerik, Lenggong and Pengkalan Hulu), and two (Batu Gajah and Ipoh) local councils. Bagan Datuk remains under the jurisdiction of Teluk Intan council.
On 26 November 2015, it was announced that theBatang Padang District sub-district of Tanjung Malim would become Perak's 11th district, to be calledMuallim.[223][224] Sultan Nazrin officiated at its formal creation on 11 January 2016.[225] On 9 January 2017, the sultan proclaimedBagan Datuk the 12th district of the state.[226] The proclamation marked the start of transformation for the district, one of the biggestcoconut producers in Malaysia.[227][228]
From the 1980s on, Perak began an economic transition away from theprimary sector, where for decades income was generated by thetin mining industry.[230][231] Early in 2006, the state government established the Perak Investment Management Centre (InvestPerak) to serve as the contact point for investors in themanufacturing andservices sectors.[232] The state's economy today relies mainly on thetertiary sector.[233] In 2017, thetourism industry contributedRM201.4 billion (14.9%) to the stategross domestic product (GDP).[234]
Through theEleventh Malaysia Plan (11MP), the state has set targets under its five-year 2016–2020 development plan, including economic development corridor targets for Southern Perak.[235] Perak has several development corridors, with a different focus for each district.[236] A 20-year masterplan was also formulated in 2017 to drive economic development in the state, with a development value of up to RM30 billion.[237]
In the first quarter of 2018, the state received a total of RM249.8 million in investments. A year later, investments in the first quarter of 2019 had increased to RM1.43 billion. Perak ranks fifth afterPenang, Kedah,Johor and Selangor in total value of investments.[238] In 2018, investments of RM1.9 billion were planned for the implementation of a range of manufacturing projects and associated factory construction from 2019.[239]
Since 2005, Perak has made efforts to remain the biggestagricultural producer in Malaysia.[240] In 2008, the state sought to legalise theprawn-farming industry, mostly located in western Perak with some activity inTanjung Tualang.[241][242][243] In 2016, some 17,589 young people in Perak were involved in implementing a range of state initiatives in Perak's agriculture sector.[244] In 2019, the Perak State Agriculture Development Corporation (SADC) launched the Perak AgroValley Project to increase the state's agricultural production. This initiative covers an area of 1,983.68 hectares (4,902 acres) in the Bukit Sapi Mukim Lenggong region.[245][246] Most of Perak's abandoned tin mine lakes provide suitable environments for the breeding offreshwater fish. 65% of abandoned mines have been used for fisheries production, with 30% of the fish exported to neighbouringSingapore and Indonesia.[247] To further improve agricultural productivity and meet increasing demand, the state plans to expand the permanent cultivation ofvegetables,flowers, coconut,palm oil,durian, andmango, in different areas throughout Perak.[248] The construction sector accounted for 5.6% of Perak's economic growth in 2015, dropping to 4.0% the following year. Development andhousing projects represented the sector's major contribution to the state's economic growth.[249]
The tertiary sector is Perak's main economic sector. In 2018, the state was the second most popular destination fordomestic tourists in Malaysia, after the state ofPahang.[250] Perak's attractions include the royal town of Kuala Kangsar and its iconic buildings, such as the Iskandariah Palace, Pavilion Square Tower,Perak Royal Museum,Sultan Azlan Shah Gallery, andUbudiah Mosque.[251][252][253] The British colonial legacy in Perak includes the Birch Memorial Clock Tower, Ipoh High Court, Ipoh railway station, Ipoh Town Hall and Old Post Office,Kellie's Castle, Majestic Station Hotel,Malay College Kuala Kangsar,Maxwell Hill (Bukit Larut),Perak State Museum,[254] Royal Ipoh Club, St. John Church, and Taiping Lake Gardens.[255] The historical events of the local Malay struggle are remembered in thePasir Salak Historical Complex.[256][257] There are also several historical ethnic Chinese landmarks, mainly in Ipoh, the capital. They include the Darul Ridzuan Museum building,[258] a former wealthy Chinese tin miner's mansion; Han Chin Pet Soo, a former club for Hakka miners and haven of shadowy activities;[255] and theLeaning Tower of Teluk Intan.[259]
Road bridge passing the Royal Belum Rainforest during blue hour
The state also contains a number of natural attractions, includingbird sanctuaries,caves, forest reserves, islands, limestone cliffs, mountains, and white sandy beaches. Among the natural sites areBanding Island,Belum-Temengor Forest Reserve,[260] Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple and Zen Gardens,[261] Kinta Nature Park,[261] Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve, Mount Yong Belar,[261] Pangkor Island,[262]Tempurung Cave,[263] and Ulu Kinta Forest Reserve.[261] Recreational attractions include the Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat,[264] D. R Seenivasagam Recreational Park,[265] Gaharu Tea Valley Gopeng,[266] Go Chin Pomelo Nature Park,[267] Gunung Lang Recreational Park,[261] Kinta Riverfront Walk,[264] Kuala Woh Jungle Park,[264] Lang Mountain,[264]Lost World of Tambun,[268] My Gopeng Resort,[264] Perak Herbal Garden,[264] Sultan Abdul Aziz Recreational Park, and Sungai Klah Hot Spring Park.[265]
Old and new infrastructure in capital cityIpoh[269]
Perak has a 2016–2020 state government development plan. A Development Fund amounting to RM397,438,000 was approved by the State Legislative Assembly in 2016.[270] The 2018 Budget allocated Perak a further RM1.176 billion, of which RM421.28 million was earmarked for development expenditure, and RM755.59 million for management costs.[271][272] In addition to attracting investors, the state government is working to improve and build new infrastructure. The new government elected in 2018 announced its intention to continue development projects initiated by the previous government for all districts in Perak.[273]
Electricity distribution in Perak is operated and managed by theTenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB). TheTemenggor Power Station in Gerik has a capacity of 348MW, the largest of the manyhydroelectric plants in the state. Built by the British,Chenderoh Power Station, the state's oldest hydroelectric dam power station, has a capacity of 40.5 MW.[274] Other hydroelectric power stations include the Sultan Azlan Shah Kenering Power Station (120 MW), Sultan Azlan Shah Bersia Hydroelectric Power Station (72 MW), Sungai Piah Lower Power Station (54 MW), and Sungai Piah Upper Power Station (14.6 MW).[275][276] The 4,100 MW Manjung Power Plant, also known as the Sultan Azlan Shah Power Station, is acoal-fired power station located on anartificial island off the Perak coast. It is owned and operated by TNB Janamanjung, a wholly ownedsubsidiary of the TNB. The plant is considered one of the biggestIndependent Power Producer (IPP) projects in Asia.[277] The GB3combined cycle power plant in Lumut, operated byMalakoff, has a capacity of 640 MW.[278]
The state's pipedwater supply is managed by the Perak Water Board (PWB), a corporate body established under the Perak Water Board Enactment in 1988. It serves over 2.5 million people and is among the biggest water operators on the Malay Peninsula, after Selangor and Johor. Before the PWB was established, water services were initially provided by the Perak Public Works Department, and subsequently by the Perak Water Supply Department.[279] The state's water supplies mainly come from its two major dams, the Air Kuning Dam in Taiping and the Sultan Azlan Shah Dam in Ipoh.[280]
Telecommunications in Perak was originally administered by the Posts and Telecommunication Department and maintained by the BritishCable & Wireless Communications, responsible for all telecommunication services in Malaya.[281][282] The first telegraph line, connecting the British Resident's Perak House in Kuala Kangsar to the house of the Deputy British Resident at Taiping, was laid by the Department of Posts and Telegraph in 1874.[283] Further lines were then built to link all of the key British economic areas of the time, and in particular the British Straits Settlements territory.[284][285] Following the foundation of the Federation of Malaysia in 1963, in 1968 the telecommunications departments in Malaya and Borneo merged to form the Telecommunications Department Malaysia, which later becameTelekom Malaysia (TM).[282] The state remains committed to full co-operation with the federal government to implement the latest telecommunications development projects in Perak.[286]
Perak is set to become the first Malaysian state to introduce the National Fiberisation and Connectivity Plan (NFCP) for high-speed Internet in rural areas.[287] Television broadcasting in the state is divided intoterrestrial andsatellite television. There are two types offree-to-air television providers:MYTV Broadcasting (digital terrestrial) andAstro NJOI (satellite), whileIPTV is accessed viaUnifi TV through the UniFifibre optic internet subscription service.[288][289] The Malaysian federal government operates one state radio channel, Perak FM.[290]
Malaysia'sNorth–South Expressway connects Perak with the other west coast Malaysian states and federal territories. Perak has two categories of roads, as of 2016 totalling 1,516 kilometres (942 mi) offederal roads, and 28,767 kilometres (17,875 mi) ofstate roads.[291] A new highway, theWest Coast Expressway, is being built to link the coastal areas of the state and reduce the growingtraffic congestion.[292] Perak has adual carriageway road network and follows theleft-hand traffic rule. Towns provide public transport, including buses, taxis, andGrab services. Under theEleventh Malaysia Plan (11MP), around 23 infrastructure projects, worth RM4.7 billion, have been implemented. These include 11 road projects for the state, involving allocations of RM1.84 billion for upgrade and expansion works carried out by thePublic Works Department (PWD).[293]
Ipoh railway station, on Jalan Panglima Bukit Gantang Wahab in the state capital, is the oldest station of Perak's rail network. It was built by the British in 1917, and upgraded in 1936.[294][295] In 2019, an integrated development project was launched to upgrade the railway station and its surrounding areas.[296]Boat services provide the main transport access to Pangkor Island, in addition to air travel.[297]Sultan Azlan Shah Airport is Perak's main international airport, acting as the main gateway to the state. Other public airports includePangkor Airport andSitiawan Airport, and there are private or restricted airfields such asJendarata Airport and the militaryTaiping Airport.[298]
Health services in Perak are administered by the Perak State Health Department (Malay:Jabatan Kesihatan Negeri Perak). The state's main government hospital is the 990-bed Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital, previously known as the Ipoh Hospital, which also incorporates a women's and children's hospital.[299] Other hospitals include four specialist hospitals:Taiping Hospital, Teluk Intan Hospital, Seri Manjung Hospital, and the minor speciality Slim River Hospital; nine district hospitals: Batu Gajah Hospital, Changkat Hospital, Gerik Hospital, Kampar Hospital, Kuala Kangsar Hospital, Parit Buntar Hospital, Selama Hospital, Sungai Siput Hospital, Tapah Hospital; and one psychiatric hospital: Bahagia Ulu Kinta Hospital.[300] Other public health clinics,1Malaysia clinics, and rural clinics are scattered throughout the state. There are a number of private hospitals, including the Anson Bay Medical Centre, Apollo Medical Centre, Ar-Ridzuan Medical Centre, Colombia Asia Hospital, Fatimah Hospital, Ipoh Pantai Hospital, Ipoh Specialist Centre, Kinta Medical Centre, Manjung Pantai Hospital, Perak Community Specialist Hospital, Sri Manjung Specialist Hospital, Taiping Medical Centre, and Ulu Bernam Jenderata Group Hospital.[301] In 2009, the state's doctor–patient ratio was 3 per 1,000.[302]
The 2015 Malaysian Census reported the population of Perak at 2,477,700, making it the fifth most populous state in Malaysia, with a non-citizen population of 74,200.[322] Of the Malaysian residents, 1,314,400 (53.0%) areMalay, 713,000 (28.0%) areChinese, 293,300 (11.0%) areIndian, and another 72,300 (2.9%) identified as otherbumiputera.[322] In 2010, the population was estimated to be around 2,299,582, with 1,212,700 (52.0%) Malay, 675,517 (29.0%) Chinese, 274,631 (11.0%) Indian, and another 62,877 (2.7%) from other bumiputera.[2] Once the most populous state during the British administration under the FMS, Perak has yet to recover from the decline of the tin-mining industry.[193][323] The associated economic downturn resulted in a massive manpower drain to higher-growth states such asPenang, Selangor, andKuala Lumpur.[324][325]
The current constitution defines Malays as someone who is Muslim and assimilated with Malay community[citation needed] Traditionally, the nativeMalays mostly live inLenggong,Gerik,Kinta,Bota andBeruas while the Javanese mostly lived in Hilir Perak, comprising Bagan Datuk,Batak Rabit, Sungai Manik, Teluk Intan, and a few other places along the Perak shores. The Mandailing andRawa people were mostly in Gopeng, Kampar,Tanjung Malim, and Kampung Mandailing at Gua Balak. These people had mostly come from neighbouring Selangor, escaping theKlang War.[citation needed] The Buginese are found in Kuala Kangsar, especially in Kota Lama Kiri andSayong. The few Minangkabau people in the state lived among the other ethnic groups with no distinct villages or settlements of their own.[citation needed] As of 2015, there were some 3,200Malaysian Siamese in Perak, a legacy of the Siamese presence in the northern Malay states.[326] There is also a scatteredAcehnese presence, dating back to the rule of theSultanate of Aceh.[citation needed]
Perak's highestpopulation density is mainly concentrated in the coastal and lowland areas. The Chinese and Indian population represents a higher percentage of the state's total population than in the neighbouring northern Malay states.[327] The presence of these groups was particularly significant after the British opened many tin mines and extensive rubber plantations in the mid-19th century. More than half of Perak's inhabitants in the 1930s wereChinese immigrants.[328] Perak's Indian community is mostly ofTamil ethnicity, although it also includes other South Indian communities such as theMalayalees, principally in Sitiawan, Sungai Siput, Trolak and Kuala Kangsar; theTelugus, in Teluk Intan and Bagan Datuk; and theSikhs, scattered in and around Perak, predominantly inIpoh andTanjung Tualang.[329][failed verification][330][failed verification]
Population density is relatively low in much of Perak's interior, where the indigenousOrang Asli are scattered, including in the northernmost border district of Hulu Perak.[327] The indigenous people originally inhabited most of Perak's coastal areas but were pushed deeper into the interior with the arrival of increasing numbers of Javanese, Banjar, Mandailing, Rawa, Batak, Kampar, Bugis and Minangkabau immigrants in the early 19th century. The Orang Aslioral traditions preserve stories of Rawa and Batak atrocities and enslavement of the aboriginal population.[113]
As in the rest of Malaysia,Islam is recognised as thestate religion, although other religions may be freely practised.[332][333] According to the 2010 Malaysian Census, Perak's population was 55.3%Muslim, 25.4%Buddhist, 10.9%Hindu, 4.3%Christian, 1.7%Taoist or followers ofChinese folk religion, 0.8% other religions or unknown, and 0.9% non-religious.[331] The census indicated that 83.7% of Perak's Chinese population identified as Buddhist, with significant minorities identifying as Christian (9.2%), Chinese folk religion adherents (5.8%), and Muslim (0.2%). The majority of the Indian population identified as Hindu (87.6%), with significant minorities identifying as Christian (6.01%), Muslim (2.67%), and Buddhist (1.0%). The non-Malay bumiputera community was predominantlyirreligion (28.2%), with significant minorities identifying as Muslim (24.1%), and Christian (22.9%). Among the majority population, all Malay bumiputera identified as Muslim.Article 160 of the Constitution of Malaysia defines professing the Islamic faith as one of the criteria of being a Malay.[331][334]
As a multi-ethnic state, Perak is also linguistically diverse. The main local variety of Malay spoken in the state isPerak Malay, which is characterised by its "e" (as in "red",[e]) and its "r", like theFrench "r" ([ʁ]). It is commonly spoken in central Perak, more specifically in the districts ofKuala Kangsar andPerak Tengah.[335][336] Speakers of the northernKedah Malay dialect are also found in the northern part of Perak, comprisingKerian, Pangkor Island, andLarut, Matang and Selama districts.[337] In the northeastern part of Perak (Hulu Perak), and some parts of Selama and Kerian, the Malay people speak another distinct Malay language variant known asReman Malay or locally known asBasa Ulu/Grik (named afterGrik), which is most closely related toKelantan-Pattani Malay in Kelantan andsouthern Thailand (Yawi) due to geographical proximity and historical assimilation.[336] In the southern parts of Perak (Hilir Perak and Batang Padang), and also in the districts of Kampar and Kinta and several parts of Manjung, the dialect spoken is heavily influenced by the southern Malay dialects of the peninsula such as Selangor, Malacca, and Johore-Riau Malay. It is also influenced by several languages of the Indonesian archipelago:Javanese,Banjar,Rawa (a variety ofMinangkabau),Batak (Mandailing), andBuginese, as a result of historical immigration, civil wars such as the Klang War, and other factors.[336]
The Tamil community mainly speaks aMalaysian dialect of theTamil language; theMalayalees speakMalayalam; the Telugus speak theTelugu language; and the Sikhs speakPunjabi.[330] Over time,Tamil became a lingua franca among Perak's different Indian communities as Tamil-speaking people became the majority in several west coast Malaysian states with higher Indian populations.[328][330] A small number ofSinhala speakers also found in parts of the state capital, Ipoh.[330]
Members of the Siamese community mainly speak aSouthern Thai variant, and are fluent in Malay, also having some knowledge of some of the Chinese dialects. With the multi-ethnic make-up of Perak's society, some people speak more than one language.[340][341]
Perak'smulticultural society reflects the influences of different ethnicities throughout its history. Several Malay art forms, such asembroidery and performances likedabus, show apparentArab cultural influence. The state's characteristic embroidery,tekat emas (gold embroidery), was once presented to royalty. Designs are based onfloral, animal, andgeometric motifs.[343]Dabus has existed for some 300 years, and is inseparable from a ritual involvingincantation.[344] It was brought to Perak by traders from Sumatra, and practised by the Malay community in Lumut, Pasir Panjang Laut Village in Sitiawan, and Teluk Intan.[345] The traditional Malaypottery handicraft calledlabu sayong is part of the art heritage of Kuala Kangsar. Its unique design is uninfluenced by foreign techniques.[342]Labu sayong is associated with a dance called thesayong.[346] Another dance local to the Malays of Perak is thebubu, known for 120 years, which originates from Tanjung Bidara Village on Tiga Parit Island.[347]
Cantonese opera once flourished in the town of Ipoh, as the majority of Chinese there were Cantonese.[348][349][350] Thehistory of China, and particularlyHong Kong, is recreated in Qing Xin Ling Leisure and Cultural Village (nicknamed LittleGuilin) in Ipoh, with painted wooden structures around a lake set among limestone hills and caves.[351][352] Another ethnic Chinese cultural location in Perak isBercham, originally calledWo Tau Kok in Cantonese in the 1950s. The area was formerly a tin mining centre, which also become one of the relocation points for Malayan ethnic Chinese during the British era under the government'sBriggs Plan to protect and distance them from communist influence.[353][354] Perak's Malay, Chinese, and Indian communities, representing its three main ethnic groups, each have their own traditional arts and dance associations to maintain and preserve their respective cultural heritage.[355]
As a melting pot of different cultures, Perak features various cuisines.Lemang, a Malay delicacy made fromglutinous rice cooked in abamboo tube over a slow fire, is very popular in the state. It is mainly served during the festivities ofEid al-Fitr (Hari Raya Aidilfitri) andEid al-Adha (Hari Raya Haji), along withrendang.[357] The method of its preparation is believed to derive partly from the indigenous Orang Asli of Perak, explaining the origins of the dish. Another popular Malay delicacy istempoyak, a durian extract that is preserved and kept in a traditional urn. It is commonly mixed withbird's eye chillies and eaten with other dishes.[357]Chinese cuisine is very common in Perak, because of the state's history of Chinese migration and trade relations over centuries. It was traditionally popular chiefly in Ipoh. Through over 2,000 years of contact with India, theinfluence of Indian cuisine also spread in Perak.[357] The state is particularly known as a producer of the Balipomelo (limau bali). This fruit was introduced by Hugh Low, Perak's fourth British Resident, who broughtseedlings from the neighbouringDutch East Indies and distributed them both in Penang and in Perak (mainly in Tambun).[358] Other districts are also known for their agricultural production: Bidor for itsguava, Hulu Perak (durian), Menglembu (groundnut), and Tapah (petai).[359]Ipoh white coffee, a popular Malaysiandrink, traces its origin to Ipoh.[356]
Perak became a part of Malaya since 1957, and its athletes have represented Malaya, and later Malaysia, at theSummer Olympic Games,Commonwealth Games,Asian Games, andSoutheast Asian Games. The Perak State Youth and Sports Department was established in 1964 to raise the standard of sports in the state.[360] Perak hosted theSukma Games in 1994 and2018. The state has a number of sports complexes, located around Ipoh and in other districts.[361] The state government allocates funds for sports development to each district-level sports association.[362]
The annualfield hockey tournament in Perak, theSultan Azlan Shah Cup, traced its roots to former state SultanAzlan Shah, an avid fan of the sport.[364] Perak was the first Malaysian state to introducee-sports, in the Sukma Games. The state government is further targeting e-sports development with the increase in youth interest.[365][366]
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^"Senarai Sultan Perak" [List of Sultans of Perak] (in Malay). The Administration Office of His Majesty the Sultan of Perak. Archived fromthe original on 7 September 2019. Retrieved7 September 2019.
^abcKobkua Suwwannathat-pian (1999). "A Brief Moment in Time: Kedah-Siam Relations Revisited".Journal of the Malaysian Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society.72 (2):65–90.JSTOR41493393.
^abJ. G. de Casparis; Hermanus Johannes de Graaf; Joseph Kennedy; William Henry Scott (1900).Geschichte. BRILL. pp. 137–141.ISBN90-04-04859-6.{{cite book}}:ISBN / Date incompatibility (help)
^abM Hamzah (1995)."Bab 1 (Pengenalan)" [Chapter 1 (Introduction)](PDF) (in Malay).University of Malaya Students Repository. p. 8 [7/31]. Archived fromthe original(PDF) on 16 September 2019. Retrieved16 September 2019.
^abcHeussler, Robert (1981).British rule in Malaya: the Malayan civil service and its predecessors, 1867 - 1942. Oxford: Clio Press. p. 54.ISBN978-0-903450-49-2.
^abHeussler, Robert (1981).British rule in Malaya: the Malayan civil service and its predecessors, 1867 - 1942. Oxford: Clio Press. pp. 56–57.ISBN978-0-903450-49-2.
^abCheah Boon Kheng (1991). "Letters From Exile — Correspondence of Sultan Abdullah of Perak from Seychelles and Mauritius, 1877—1891".Journal of the Malaysian Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society.64 (1):33–74.JSTOR41493172.
^Heussler, Robert (1981).British rule in Malaya: the Malayan civil service and its predecessors, 1867 - 1942. Oxford: Clio Press. p. 58.ISBN978-0-903450-49-2.
^Emily Sadka (1954). "The Journal of Sir Hugh Low, Perak, 1877".Journal of the Malayan Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society.27 (4):1–108.JSTOR24249161.
^Leon Comber (2012). "The Malayan Emergency: General Templer and the Kinta Valley Home Guard, 1952—1954".Journal of the Malaysian Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society.85 (1):45–62.JSTOR24894129.
^United States. Dept. of State. International Information Administration. Documentary Studies Section; United States Information Agency. Special Materials Section; United States. International Communication Agency (1964).Problems of Communism. Special Materials Section, United States Information Agency.
^"Information Access (Perak)". Government of Perak. Archived fromthe original on 9 October 2019. Retrieved10 October 2019.Perak or also known as Perak Darul Ridzuan is the second largest state in Peninsular Malaysia (after Pahang).
^Jim Bowden (15 November 2018)."Malaysia: responsibility in the factory and deep in the forests"(PDF).Timber & Forestry ENews (537):3–4. Archived fromthe original(PDF) on 9 October 2019. Retrieved10 October 2019 – via Malaysian Timber Council.It was at the state forest in Perak, the fourth-largest of Malaysia's 13 states, that we saw how deep the responsibility for forest management has been planted.
^Ir. Ooi Choon Ann (1996)."Coastal erosion management in Malaysia"(PDF).Director of Coastal Engineering Division Department of Irrigation and Drainage of Malaysia, Proc. 13th Annual Seminar of the Malaysian Society of Marine Sciences: 9 (10). Archived fromthe original(PDF) on 14 October 2019. Retrieved14 October 2019 – via Department of Irrigation and Drainage, Ministry of Water, Land and Natural Resources of Malaysia.
^Chan Kin Onn; J. van Rooijen; L. Lee Grismer; Daicus Belabut; Mohd. Abdul Muin Md. Akil; Hamidi Jamaludin; Rick Gregory; Norhayati Ahmad (2010)."First Report on the Herpetofauna of Pulau Pangkor, Perak, Malaysia"(PDF).Russian Journal of Herpetology.17 (2):139–146 – via Malaysia Biodiversity Information System.
^"Kompendium (Data dan Maklumat Asas JPS)" [Compendium (DID Basic Data and Information)](PDF) (in Malay). Department of Irrigation and Drainage, Malaysia. 2018. p. 23. Archived fromthe original(PDF) on 24 May 2019. Retrieved12 October 2019.
^"Royal Belum State Park"(PDF). pp. 5/9. Archived fromthe original(PDF) on 12 October 2019. Retrieved12 October 2019 – via Department of National Heritage, Malaysia.
^"Pulau Sembilan". Ministry of Water, Land and Natural Resources of Malaysia. Archived fromthe original on 13 October 2019. Retrieved13 October 2019 – via Malaysia Biodiversity Information System.
^"Pulau Sembilan" [Nine Islands] (in Malay). Manjung Municipal Council. Archived fromthe original on 13 October 2019. Retrieved13 October 2019.
^Casey Keat Chuan Ng; Teow Yeong Lim; Amirrudin B. Ahmad; Md Zain Khaironizam (2019). "Provisional checklist of freshwater fish diversity and distribution in Perak, Malaysia, and some latest taxonomic concerns".Zootaxa.4567 (3): zootaxa.4567.3.5.doi:10.11646/zootaxa.4567.3.5.PMID31715885.S2CID92400943.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: article number as page number (link)
^abCheryl Rita Kaur."Pollution from Land-Based Sources"(PDF).Profile of the Straits of Malacca: Malaysia's Perspectives: 129 & 140 (2 & 8). Archived fromthe original(PDF) on 14 October 2019. Retrieved14 October 2019 – via Maritime Institute of Malaysia.
^abJulian Bernauer; Daniel Bochsler; Rogers Brubaker; Magdalena Dembinska; Fulya Memisoglu; Karolina Prasad; Antoine Roger; Edina Szöcsik; Hanna Vasilevich; Doris Wydra; Christina Isabel Zuber (3 March 2014).New Nation-States and National Minorities. ECPR Press. pp. 142–.ISBN978-1-907301-86-5.
^Mohsin Abdullah (5 April 2019)."Politics and Policy: Storm brewing in Perak". The Edge Markets. Archived fromthe original on 15 October 2019. Retrieved15 October 2019.According to the state constitution, the menteri besar must be a Malay Muslim.
^"Kronologi Krisis Politik Perak" [Chronology of the Perak Political Crisis] (in Malay). mStar. 9 February 2009. Archived fromthe original on 15 October 2019. Retrieved15 October 2019.
^ab"Kod Dan Nama Sempadan Pentadbiran Tanah" [Land Administration Boundary Code And Name](PDF) (in Malay). Centre for Geospatial Data Infrastructure, Ministry of Water, Land and Natural Resources of Malaysia. 2011. pp. 1–49 [1/55]. Archived fromthe original(PDF) on 18 October 2019. Retrieved18 October 2019.
^Paul H. Kratoska (1984). "Penghulus in Perak and Selangor: The Rationalization and Decline of a Traditional Malay Office".Journal of the Malaysian Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society.57 (2):31–59.JSTOR41492983.
^Muhammad Afiq Ziekry Mohd Shukry."Chapter 1 (Introduction – Background Study)"(PDF). Archived fromthe original(PDF) on 18 October 2019. Retrieved18 October 2019 – via Universiti Teknologi Petronas.Most of the abandon tin mine sites has been converted to agricultural land due the closing of tin industry in Perak around 1980s.
^"Home". InvestPerak Malaysia. Retrieved18 October 2019.
^"Menara Condong" [Leaning Tower].Official Portal of Teluk Intan Municipal Council (MPTI). Teluk Intan Municipal Council. 18 January 2016. Archived fromthe original on 25 October 2019. Retrieved25 October 2019.
^"Telekom Malaysia puts last 'stop' to telegram service".The Borneo Post. 4 July 2012. Archived fromthe original on 21 October 2019. Retrieved21 October 2019.The first telegraph line was set up by the now defunct Department of Posts and Telegraph from Kuala Kangsar to Taiping in 1874. It signalled the beginning of an era of telecommunications in the country.
^"Sejarah Hospital" [Hospital History] (in Malay). Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital. Archived fromthe original on 22 October 2019. Retrieved22 October 2019.
^"Hospital" (in Malay). Perak State Health Department. 19 May 2011. Archived fromthe original on 22 October 2019. Retrieved22 October 2019.
^"Hospital dan Pusat Rawatan Swasta" [Hospitals and Private Treatment Centres] (in Malay). Perak State Health Department. 9 February 2015. Archived fromthe original on 22 October 2019. Retrieved22 October 2019.
^"Language unites Malay and Siamese community".Bernama. Daily Express. 5 June 2015. Archived fromthe original on 24 October 2019. Retrieved24 October 2019.Thai was widely used among the Malays who live in villages shared by the Siamese community, especially in states like Perlis, Kedah, Perak, Kelantan and Terengganu.
^"Dabus (Pengenalan)" [Dabus (Introduction)](PDF) (in Malay). Ministry of Communications and Multimedia of Malaysia. 2003. Retrieved24 October 2019.
^"The Many Colours of Malaysia".Tourism Malaysia. 24 March 2003. Archived fromthe original on 25 October 2019. Retrieved26 October 2019.The most famous product which has every tourist in awe is thelabu sayong - a calabash shapedurn used during mystical rituals or simply for storing water. It's a wonder as the water stored in it is always cool. The people of Perak even have a dance called thelabu sayong.
^Zari Mahmood (1 August 2007)."Please keep pomelos special to Perak".The Star. Retrieved26 October 2019.Talking about fruits, Perak is one state where particular districts are known for certain fruits. Bidor is famous for the guava, Tapah the petai, Menglembu the groundnuts, Hulu Perak the durians, and of course Tambun for the pomelo.
^"Sejarah JBS Perak" [History of Perak YSD] (in Malay). Perak State Youth and Sports Department. Archived fromthe original on 19 September 2018. Retrieved26 October 2019.
^Shamsul Kamal Amarudin (2 March 2019)."Perak mahu bina stadium e-sports" [Perak wants to build an e-sports stadium].Berita Harian (in Malay). Archived fromthe original on 30 October 2019. Retrieved26 October 2019.
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