Fanciful origins of Malaysian town names


ipfairy4...Mambang Di Awan residents still living out a quiet existence despite the development of shophouses and commercial areas in the new village since the 1950s. Starpix by Lew Yong Kan/050702/Ipoh/Christina Koh

1. Mambang Di Awan, Perak: Loosely translated from Malay as “fairy in the clouds”, the name was coined when a group of tin miners believed they saw an angel in the clouds as they were resting after a hard day’s work.

2. Tanjung Rimau, Malacca: Derived from “harimau” or tiger in Malay, the town got its name from early settlers who claimed a “weretiger” would appear and help villagers in times of hardship. Another theory is that after warrior Panglima Hitam spotted a one-eyed tiger sitting on an anthill, he noticed that the area was suitable to be developed.

The Star Christmas Special Promo: Save 35% OFF Yearly. T&C applies.

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.02/month

Billed as RM 96.20 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

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

Next In Nation

Ipoh man arrested after running amok with samurai sword, hurting family
Chronology of the 1MDB case involving Najib
1MDB verdict: Najib to file appeal on Monday following verdict, says lead counsel Shafee
1MDB verdict: Najib admits to feeling 'alone' in struggle for freedom
Terengganu hit by third wave flood
1MDB verdict: Najib gets 15 years' jail plus RM11.4bil fine
1MDB verdict: Prosecution calls for maximum 20-year jail sentence, RM11.4bil fine
Over 300,000 summonses issued during traffic law compliance op since Oct, says KL top cop
Two-year-old girl killed, seven others hurt in Terengganu road crash
Eight nabbed during Kampung Sungai Baru incident to be charged, say police

Others Also Read