Ancient vessel find sparks interest in more historical tresure in Pulau Melaka

MELAKA: The discovery of a wooden vessel and ancient artefacts are sparking interest of further treasure waiting to be uncovered in Pulau Melaka.

Researcher Datuk Dr Dionysius S.K. Sharma said more artefacts could be unearthed if Pulau Melaka is properly combed and excavated with proper planning.

"We can make a breakthrough in discovering more of these artefacts that started emerging due to marine reclamation works at the site.

"I believe there were many ship wrecks at the site which has yet to be unearthed," he said in an interview on Thursday (Sept 17).

Dionysius is currently working closely with National Heritage Department and Melaka Museum Corporation (Perzim) to discover tangible artefacts relating to the Melaka Sultanate.

The remnants of a vessel was unveiled to the media on Thursday by National Heritage Department director-general Mesran Mohd Yusop.

Dr Sharma, who hails from Melaka, said among the items found at the site were artefacts dating back to Sultan Mahmud Shah (1488 to 1511), ancient China as well as from the Portuguese and Dutch eras.

The items recovered include ancient coins, pieces of porcelain and ceramic wares.

Earlier, Mesran said the remnants of the ancient vessel is believed to date back to Yuan Dynasty.

Yuan dynasty was the empire of China that was established by Kublai Khan, leader of the Mongol Borjigin clan.

Mesran said the discovery is crucial for Melaka history.

"The findings will give us more in-depth analysis on the Melaka Sultanate as well as maritime trades along our coastline," he said.

Mesran added that the archaeology research at the site must be done systematically in a bid to preserve the local history.