More than just about Birch and Maharaja Lela


The Rumah Kutai built in 1896 at the Pasir Salak Historical Complex. — Photos: SAIFUL BAHRI/The Star

A SLEEPY town scattered with old kampung houses and undisturbed greenery, the peace and calm at Kampung Gajah, some 80km from Ipoh, belies the turmoil that took place there over a century ago.

Historically known as Pasir Salak, it was here that J.W.W. Birch was speared to death by followers of local Malay chief Dato Maharaja Lela Pandak Lam Maulud while the first British Resident of Perak was taking a bath on his boat moored on the Sungai Perak riverbank.

Play, subscribe and stand a chance to win prizes worth over RM39,000! T&C applies.

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 11.12/month

Billed as RM 11.12 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 9.87/month

Billed as RM 118.40 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Focus

Bad snow year worsens wildfire fears
Teaching the tune of survival
The limits of US sanctions
Teheran’s secret war for power
Red ink over green dreams
Poland’s long leap forward
Cracks in a loyal base
Medicinal nightcaps for the ‘996’ generation
A rare debate about inequality
Land of the blonde bovine beauties

Others Also Read