Boundary stone in Seberang Prai marks state’s history

The boundary marker is located in a padi field at Kampung Ekor Kuching in Pinang Tunggal, north Seberang Prai. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star

A 152-year-old stone marking the historical boundary between Penang and Kedah still stands in Pinang Tunggal, north Seberang Prai in Penang.

The stone with inscriptions in English, Siamese and Jawi stating “British and Siamese Boundary” is believed to have been erected by the British in 1869, following a treaty between Great Britain and Siam.

Penang Water Supply Corporation chief executive officer Datuk Jaseni Maidinsa said the stone served as a reminder of events that led to the formation of Malaysia as a nation and Penang as one of its component states.

Jaseni said it was crucial for the state to conserve and protect the British-Siamese boundary stone.

“Penang’s status as a state in Malaysia is not only enshrined in the Federal Constitution but has also been set in stone since 1869 near Sungai Muda in Pinang Tunggal,” he said.

Jaseni recently visited the site with Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman and Deputy Chief Minister II Dr P. Ramasamy.