By Zaki Salleh
Photo Alfa Juliet
Tanjung Malim: During the cleanup work for constructing a Bailey bridge at Slim Village, after the existing bridge collapsed, fragments of an old boat, possibly over 100 years old, were discovered.
The boat fragments were found buried in the riverbank.
The discovery was shared by local history researcher Alfa Juliet on his Facebook page.
Shaharom Ahmad, Chief Researcher and Chairman of the Malaysian History Association MHG, stated that the boat artifact should be preserved even though it is damaged.
He explained that during the cleanup of the historic Battle of Slim bridge area in Slim Village, the contractor found old boat fragments buried deep in the riverbank area.
“From our observations, the boat resembles a Sagor boat made from a single piece of wood.
“I have requested assistance from Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI) to study these boat fragments and conduct a detailed examination of the age and type of wood.
“Thankfully, UPSI’s Department of History has come to rescue the boat for further study and comprehensive conservation,” he said.
Shaharom hopes that this boat can shed light on the history of the Malay community in Muallim and eventually be displayed at UPSI.
The discovery of this ancient boat also serves as evidence of trade routes and travel from Bernam to Raub, Pahang.
The Bailey bridge will be constructed to facilitate residents and users of the Slim River-Behrang Ulu road, which collapsed due to a flash flood and dam breach in Slim Village last month.
The installation of the Bailey bridge is expected to be completed by September 16.
The Slim Village bridge was the site of intense combat between British and Japanese forces during the Battle of Slim River on January 7, 1942.
