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| PERAK DARUL RIDZUAN |
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Glorious Mining History
Perak, at one time the world’s number one producer of tin ore, takes its name from the silvery color of the rich tin deposits. “Perak” means ‘silver’ in Malay.
The present sultanate traces its origins to Sultan Muzaffar Shah, the eldest son of the last sultan of Malacca, who established control of the State in 1528. For centuries, the state’s spices and rich tin deposits constantly faced outsiders threats namely, the Achinese in Sumatra, the Portuguese and Dutch who were then in Malacca in 1511 and 1641 respectively, the Bugis from Selangor in the south and the Thais dominating Kedah in the north. The State was only saved from Thai domination in the 1820’s with British assistance.
Industrialization in Europe in the 19th. Century created a demand for tin. In 1848 Long Jaafar discovered an abundance of tin ore deposits in Larut, Taiping hence started the era of tin mining. The growing importance of tin then led to an influx of Chinese miners and migrants into the rich tin fields of Larut. By the 1870’s, the State was torn by a succession to the throne dispute and coupled by the war in Larut between feuding Chinese tin miners led to British intervention in 1874, which saw the State passed into their hands through the Pangkor Treaty, imposed on the Perak chiefs to protect their interest.
Opposition from the Perak chiefs resulted in the assassination of the authoritarian first British Resident, James W.W. Birch. Followed by a tactful and efficient administrator like Sir Hugh Low the State became a model for the development of the British “residential system”. In 1896, the State became one of the four Malay States forming the Federated Malay States. At Second World War, the State was occupied by the Japanese army from 1942 to 1945 and became independent along with the rest of Malaysia in 1957. |
Today, much of the state’s economic activity is in agriculture and mining sectors. But in line with modern development and trends, it is now harnessing into sectors like manufacturing, construction, trade and commerce and services. Although tin mining has ceased to be a major industrial activity, visitors can still catch a glimpse of Perak’s Glorious Mining History at the Geological Museum in its capital city of Ipoh.
Perak has much to offer to the discerning travelers. In terms of sight, its limestone hills are an imposing beauty. The state’s natural tropical setting provides adventure seekers choice of activities from caving, jungle tracking to white water rafting. Whilst, the state offers cool hill to sandy white and sun kissed beaches and island resorts to the less initiated visitors for family relaxation.
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Perak has 9 administrative districts namely, Batang Padang, Hilir Perak, Hulu Perak, Kerian, Kinta, Kuala Kangsar, Larut & Matang, Manjung (Dinding) and Perak Tengah. Cities and major towns include Ipoh being the state’s capital, Kuala Kangsar the royal town, the mountainous Taiping, the tranquil Teluk Intan and coastal Lumut.
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Perak is bounded to the north by Pulau Pinang (Seberang Prai) and Kedah, to the south by Selangor, to the east Kelantan and Pahang and has a coastline facing the Straits of Malacca to the west. Second largest state in Peninsular Malaysia, has a total land area of 20,722 sq. km.
Warm and sunny in the day time, while its nights are cool the whole year round. In the evening it rains occasionally. Temperatures range from 21 to 32 degrees Celsius. Annual rainfall varies from 2,800 mm. to 3,200 mm.
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Perak offers from international-standard hotels, service apartments to modest family-manage inns to suit all tastes and budget, be it in Ipoh being the state’s capital, the royal town of Kuala Kangsar, the mountainous Taiping, the tranquil Teluk Intan or coastal Lumut one is never short of choice to choose from.
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Ipoh, the state’s capital city, is 205 km. from Kuala Lumpur and 165 km. from Penang. It is well connected to other major towns and cities in the peninsular by air, road and rail.
Air
Ipoh's Sultan Azlan Shah Airport can accommodate small to medium-sized planes. Malaysia Airlines operates regular flights to Ipoh from Penang and via the Kuala Lumpur International Airport. There are taxi and bus services from the airport into town.
Road
There are taxis plying major routes to Ipoh from Kota Bahru, Alor Star, Penang, Taiping and Kuala Kangsar in the north, and Cameron Highlands, Teluk Intan, Tanjung Malim and Kuala Lumpur in the south. Taxis wait for a full load before traveling.
Buses
Bus services to the Medan Kidd terminal in Ipoh are from Kuala Lumpur and Butterworth. Several bus companies operate services from the north and south of the country to Ipoh. Some offer non-stop services while others transit at various points.
Routes covered include those originating from Butterworth (Penang), Kota Bahru, Kuala Kangsar, Taiping, Lumut and Batu Gajah in the North; and Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Teluk Intan in the south. Major lines include Express Nasional, SPT, Sari Maju, Plusliner and Nice.
Rail
North-bound trains operated by KTM (the Malaysian Railway) stop at all major towns in Perak, namely Tanjong Malim, Batu Gajah, Ipoh, Kuala Kangsar, Taiping and Parit Buntar
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Traveling around Perak is affordable and convenient. Public buses and taxis are the most convenient mode of transportation to get around. Alternatively hire a car for a self-drive around town.
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