TANAH MERAH: The actual age of an ancient perahu (traditional Malay boat) discovered in Kampung Bukit Kechik here is being assessed by the National Heritage Department to determine if it holds significant historical value.
The department's Archaeology Division senior curator Rokiah Abdul Samat said an initial survey was conducted on Saturday (May 2), the day of the discovery, to verify the findings and for documentation purposes.
She said while the discovery may not appear significant to some, the villagers’ decision to report the finding was an important step and should be emulated.
"Determining the age of the boat requires further study and analysis before any conclusion can be made,” she said when met recently.
Rokiah said the villagers also showed interest in preserving and conserving the boat, proposing that it be kept at a suitable location for display.
Meanwhile, Bukit Kechik neighbourhood watch chairman Md Noor Hassan said the boat was discovered when several villagers noticed what appeared to be part of its frame partially buried along the riverbank.
He said receding water levels in recent weeks had made the structure more visible.
"Initially, only a small part of the frame was visible. However, as the water level dropped, the entire structure became clearer.
"We then took the initiative to excavate the area to get a closer look at the actual shape of the boat," he said at the site.
Md Noor said the boat’s age has yet to be determined and requires a comprehensive study by all relevant parties, particularly historians and the department.
"Some villagers believe the boat could be hundreds of years old, based on the history of this area, which was once a docking point for villagers from Danau Tok Uban, Pasir Mas and Batang Merbau, about 15km from here,” he said.
He added that the discovery holds significant historical value for the village and has the potential to become a research subject.
He expressed hope that relevant parties, including historians and archaeologists, would conduct further studies on the find.
"We hope experts will come to examine the boat to confirm its actual age and its historical significance,” he said.
After the initial survey on Saturday, the department said the boat is believed to have been built using local hardwood such as cengal or meranti. – Bernama
