BATU GAJAH: In the former mining land of Tanjung Tualang stands a towering four-storey giant – a tin dredge that once powered Perak’s thriving tin industry.
Today, the massive structure remains a reminder of an era when the state reigned as one of the world’s top tin producers.
A recent visit to Tanjung Tualang Tin Dredge No. 5 (TT5), organised under Royal Selangor’s ‘Journey Across Time, Heritage and Artistry’ programme, transported participants to a world shaped by mud, metal and memories – a heritage landscape holding countless stories from a bygone mining boom.
Built in 1938 in England by Malayan Tin Dredging Ltd and designed by F.W. Payne and Sons, TT5 is more than a relic of rusting steel.
It is a testament to the engineering ambition and industrial progress that once fuelled Malaya’s economic rise.
At present, the 4,500-tonne dredge is maintained by Sim Leisure Sdn Bhd with support from the Perak Mentri Besar Incorporated and the state government.
Their goal is to preserve the structure, revitalise it through tourism programmes and ensure it remains a storied landmark for generations to come, Bernama reported.
According to Sim Leisure’s recreation activity officer Muhammad Muzaqeer Sulaiman, TT5 – often called the Last Dredge – is the only surviving tin dredge of its kind in Malaysia, making it an irreplaceable witness to the nation’s mining history.
“In its heyday, this dredge was like a floating factory. It scooped earth from the mining bed using a chain of giant iron buckets, then hauled the soil up for processing.
“The heavy tin ore would settle at the bottom while sand and mud were discharged back into the pit,” Muhammad Muzaqeer said.
After 44 years of operation, TT5 was shut down in 1982 following a plunge in global tin prices.
For years, the 115-bucket dredge sat abandoned, slowly succumbing to weather, rust and erosion until restoration efforts began in the early 2000s, spearheaded by both government and heritage bodies.
“The biggest challenge is the weather and corrosion. The entire structure is steel and old metal deteriorates quickly if not properly cared for.
“Maintenance is costly because of the dredge’s sheer size and many of its original components must be preserved with precision,” he added.
To ensure visitor safety, periodic structural maintenance is carried out, and all guests receive a briefing and are fitted with safety harnesses before stepping onto the dredge.
Today, TT5 features safety platforms, guided pathways and amenities that allow visitors to safely explore the 15.24m-high, 75m-long and 35m-wide vessel.
Besides guided tours, visitors can wander through a mini historical gallery showcasing mining tools and archival photographs or unwind at the sprawling 55,000sq ft Maze Park built as a leisure space.
“We organise heritage walks, photography sessions, community programmes and interactive educational tours for students.
“We also promote TT5 through social media and schools so that young Malaysians understand the mining history that once shaped our nation,” said Muhammad Muzaqeer.
TT5 is now part of the Kinta Valley Unesco Global Geopark, an international recognition of Perak’s mining heritage and its unique geological landscape.
“Our hope is to transform TT5 into a modern interactive museum using technologies like augmented reality and virtual reality.
“These features would offer a fresh experience while preserving the site’s historical value,” he added.
TT5 is open daily from 9am to 6pm. Admission is RM38 for adults and children, while entry is free for children under four and for persons with disabilities.
