By Zaki Salleh
Photo Social Media
IPOH: A photo of a prominent Malay family riding an elephant, believed to be taken in 1930, has been shared on social media, capturing the attention of netizens.
The picture shows that about 100 years ago, elephants were a luxury item that not everyone could afford.
This is because elephants were the most important mode of land transportation during that time, before the existence of cars and motorized vehicles.
Prominent or wealthy individuals would ride elephants to go to certain places or attend official events.
For example, going to the palace, having an elephant was akin to owning a Rolls Royce today.
Moreover, the cost of maintaining these animals is substantial, requiring handlers and meticulous care.
The use of elephants began to decline gradually when cars were introduced, alongside the decline in the tin mining industry around 1940.
Referring to the viral photo, among the individuals riding the elephant are the owner of Jalan Che Yang Kalsom and Jalan CM Yusof
Both individuals are in the photo.
The photo is believed to have been taken in the compound of the dignitary’s house, either on Jalan Bendahara or in Kampung Kuchai.
CM Yusof, or his full name Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Haji Chik Mohamad Yusuf Sheikh Abdul Rahman, who later held the title Dato’ Bendahara Perak, making him one of the prominent figures in the Orang Besar Empat Perak.
He is the child of Sheikh Abdul Rahman and his mother, Mariam Kulop Mohd Yusuff.
His grandfather, Kulop Mohd Yusuff Ngah, and ancestor, Ngah Abdul Lassam, once held the title of Dato’ Panglima Kinta.
He was conferred the title of Dato’ Bendahara Perak by Sultan Perak, Sultan Yussuff Izzuddin Shah, in 1959, carrying the title Dato’.
