Outrage over Bujang Valley development after tomb temple destroyed

GEORGE TOWN: A heritage activist called for a halt to all development works at the sprawling Bujang Valley archaeological complex after a candi (tomb temple) was reportedly demolished.

Penang Heritage Trust (PHT) honorary secretary Clement Liang said development must be stopped at the site for archaeologists to study the site for what's left of its heritage and historical value.

“This is because part of the criteria for the area to be listed under the Unesco World Heritage Site is that the landscape must not be changed,” he said.

He was commenting on reports that the archeological ruins of candi site number 11 was desecrated and demolished to make way for development.

It was believed that the candi was dug up from its spot near Sungai Batu more than a month ago.

“The site is meant to be listed as a Unesco World Heritage site but now, we are turned into a laughing stock," Liang said.

Penang Deputy Chief Minister II Prof Dr P. Ramasamy said he was appalled to learn that an ancient and significant archaeological site was not only unprotected but allowed to be dug up to make way for development.

He said he would be writing to Badan Warisan Malaysia to seek action against the developer and the authorities complicit in the destruction.

Bujang Valley in the Merbok district of Kedah has the richest archaeological site in Malaysia, with more than 50 ancient candi.

It was reported that the demolished candi was believed to have been built between the 11th and 13th century.

Research showed that there was a Hindu-Buddhist kingdom in the valley possibly as early as 110 CE (Current Era).

The rulers adopted Indian cultural and political models earlier than those of Kutai in eastern Borneo, or Tarumanegara in western Java where remains showing Indian influence have been found dating from the early 5th century.