Photo : Istana Kenangan / Royal Museum

History

There are several versions as to the origin of Perak. Some say that the name 'Perak' came from Bendahara Tun Perak of Malacca while some say that it came from the "glimmer of fish in the water" that sparkled like silver or the rich mineral resource Perak has which is 'tin' or perak as it is known in Malay. Therefore, the mere mention of the State's name will reflect the treasures hidden in its earth.

The Perak State, has been in existence since prehistoric age. Kota Tampan in Lenggong is a proof that the Paleolithic Age existed in Malaya. The Perak State went through numerous evolutions between 400 000 BC and 8000 BC.

The State had experienced the Hoabinhian Era and the Neolithic Age as well as the Metal Age, which was proven by the findings of relevant ancient artifacts. Then came the Hindu/Buddha era. It was thought to have occurred simultaneously with the rest of Malaya.

After this period, the history of the State advanced a step further with the formation of minor territories such as Manjung in the Dinding District and Beruas, which came into existence after Manjung ceased to exist. This also applies to a few other territories in the Perak Tengah and Hulu Perak. It was also then that Islam began to plant its roots firmly in the State.

Perak's documented history actually began with the installation of Sultan Muzaffar Shah 1, who was a descendent of Sultan Mahmud Shah of Malacca, in the year 1528. Although the Perak Sultanate had formed, the territorial powers were still in effect. The administrative method was an extension of the democratic feudal system of Malacca.

Perak became more prominent with the discovery of tin in Larut, Taiping in 1848 by Long Jaafar. With this discovery, Perak's economy boomed and more mining areas were brought into existence. In addition to tin ore, natural rubber also played an important role and is still being planted after the reign of 33 or 34 consecutive Sultans.

This significant implication of economic development resulted in the birth of a multiracial society especially with the introduction of the Chinese into the mining area.

The British who had long been interested in Perak, intervened through the Pangkor Treaty in 1874 after a riot in Larut. As a result of this intervention, the Residential system was introduced with James W.W Birch as its first Resident.

Initially, the Residential system was supposed to yield positive results. However, it soon deviated from its original cause, and combined with the local people's refusal to be colonised, an uprising against the Resident took place under the leadership of local leader, Datuk Maharaja Lela. As a result, J.W.W Birch was assassinated in 1875.

The Residential system continued until the arrival of the Japanese to Malaya in 1941. The Perak State also suffered, as did others, during the Japanese occupation of Malaya until the year 1945.

Even after the Japanese surrendered, the British still colonised Malaya until the year 1948. Violence was rampant then in Perak, due to Communist terrorism. After the Japanese occupation in Malaya, the Malay States were not stable. The British did their best to maintain their position by introducing new administration systems such as the Malayan Union in 1946, despite the people's nationalistic spirit to seek independence.

The people of Malaya combined their efforts with all State dignitaries to fully rebel against all British systems. They continuously oppressed until the British granted Malaya independence in 1957.

The independence of Malaya meant the freedom for all its Federated States, which Perak was a part of. Rapid development in all fields continued until today, after the reign of 34 consecutive Sultans.

Economy

Perak used to be one of Malaysia's wealthiest states until the recession that hit the world in the late Eighties. The collapse of the world's tin industry (Perak's main sources of revenue) caused prices to fall sharply and mines had be to closed, forcing Perak to reconsider its future socio-economic strategies. Since then, the Perak State Government has taken a firm and brave decision to diversify the economy's base away from basic industries towards more value-added, resource-linked manufacturing.

Perak has succeeded in restructuring its economic development. The agriculture's share of the State's GDP declined from 46.1% in 1970 to 22.4% in 1996. The share of secondary sector in the State's GDP (construction and manufacturing) increased from about 18.6% in 1970 to 33.1% in 1996. Meanwhile the share of the services sectors increased from 35.3% in 1970 to 44.5% in 1996.

The State's GDP increased from RM6,918 million in 1990 to RM10,776.6 million in 1996 - a growth of 8.2%. The Perak State Government is confidence the growth will maintain exceed 8% this year. The per capita income went up from RM3,528 in 1990 to RM4,990 in 1995.

Geography

Being the second largest State in Peninsular Malaysia (after Pahang), Perak boasts an approximate coverage of 21,000 sq kms (6.4% of total land banks in Malaysia).

Climate

Warm, sunny days and cool nights all year round with occasional rain in the evenings. Temperature ranges from 23°C to 33°C. Humidity usually exceeds 82.3%. Annual rainfall is 3,218 mm.