TANAH MERAH: The actual age of an old perahu (traditional Malay boat) discovered in Kampung Bukit Kechik in Kelantan is being assessed by the National Heritage Department to determine whether it holds significant historical value.
Archaeology Division senior curator Rokiah Abdul Samat said an initial survey was conducted on May 2, following the discovery, to verify the findings and for documentation purposes.
“Determining the age of the boat requires further study and analysis before any conclusion can be made,” she told Bernama.
Rokiah said the villagers have also shown interest in preserving the boat, including proposing that it be kept at a suitable location for display to younger generations.
After the initial survey, the department said in a statement that based on its physical characteristics, the boat is believed to have been constructed using local hardwood such as cengal or meranti.
Bukit Kechik Neighbourhood Watch chairman Md Noor Hassan said the boat was discovered when several villagers noticed what appeared to be part of a boat 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.
“Villagers then took the initiative to dig the area to get a closer look at the actual shape of the boat,” he said at the site.
Md Noor said a comprehensive study by all relevant parties, particularly the National Heritage Department or historians, would be needed to determine the age of the boat.
“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.
