Heritage dept hails discovery of ancient perahu in Kelantan

 The department says the discovery has great historical value, illustrating the life of the Tanah Merah community who once depended entirely on the river as the main route for trade, communication and daily life.

The national heritage department said the perahu was built using local hardwoods such as cengal or meranti, with traditional techniques such as wood joinery, pegs and other skills.

PETALING JAYA:

 The national heritage department has hailed the discovery of an ancient perahu (traditional long boat) by villagers of Kampung Bukit Kechik in Tanah Merah, Kelantan, and their support in work to save the remains of the structure.

Photographs published by the department shows the hull of the boat resting in mud with its cross-beam frames showing above the water. The boat appears to be about seven metres long, with part of it half submerged in a nearby river.

The department said the discovery has great historical value, illustrating the life of the Tanah Merah community who once depended entirely on the river as the main route for trade, communication and daily life.

Villagers of Kampung Bukit Kechik in Tanah Merah, Kelantan, showing off their historical discovery. (JWN pic)

“Based on the characteristics of the wood, it is believed that this boat was built using local hardwoods such as cengal or meranti, with traditional techniques such as wood joinery, pegs and others,” the department said in a statement.

“This structure reflects the expertise of Malay boatmen in adapting construction to changing river conditions,” it added. Further study and documentation would be needed to ensure that the boat is preserved as part of Kelantan’s historical identity. - FMT