Perak
Introduction
Perak offers a delightful range of offerings for holidaymakers. Enjoying relaxing, fun-filled island and lake resort escapades, explore magnificent cave temples, experience the local lifestyle in a home-stay program, or indulge in a variety of back-to-nature excursions. Located along the west coast of Penisular Malaysia between the states of Penang and Kedah in the North and Selangor in the South, Perak is easily accessible by the North-South Expressway or by train.
Its major towns include Ipoh, the administrative center and the state capital; Kuala Kangsar, the Royal Town; Taiping, the former state capital; Lumut, the major seaport and Teluk Intan, famed for its leaning clock tower.
Perak, meaning Silver in Malaysian Language is said to be derived its name from the silvery tin ore that has made the states famous. The Kinta Valley once had the distinction of containing the world's richest tin deposits.
History
Evidence of the early man dates from around 10,000 years ago. Archaeological finds. mainly from the cave sites, include stone tools, Cornelian beads, pottery, grave stones, bronze and iron wares providing a detailed historical up until fairly recent times.
The modern history of Perak dates to around 1528 when the present sultanate began under Sultan Muzzafar Shah, the eldest son of the last Sultan of Malacca. Famed for its tin deposits, even in early days, Perak constantly faced threats both from its neighbors and from foreign powers. British assistance in the 1820's helped to bring political stability to the state. However around 1850, the discovery of rich tin mining land around Taiping by Long Jaafar brought an influx of Chinese miners which led to feuds between several Chinese clans, secrete societies and the local Malays. The 1870's saw a royal succession dispute which was settled by British intervention in 1874, recognizing Raja Abdullah as sultan while Raja Ismail was recognized as the former sultan.
A British advisor was appointed to administer the state in all matter except for Malay Customs and the Islamic religion. The feuding miners were disarmed and had to sign a bond for not to feud again.
Opposition to the British advisor by certain quarters led to the assassination of the first "Resident", J.W.W. Birch. However, Perak later become a model state of the British Residential System. In 1897, Perak become one of the four states forming the Federal Malay States and in 1957 along with the other Malay states formed the Federation of Malaya.