Kedah to rediscover secrets of Sungai Batu, says Mukhriz
Published : Friday December 6, 2013 MYT 12:00:00 AM
Updated : Friday December 6, 2013 MYT 9:46:18 AM
by sira habibu
KUALA LUMPUR : Kedah is planning to unravel the secret that lies beneath the lost Sungai Batu that was once the lifeline of the ancient civilisation of Lembah Bujang.
Mentri Besar Datuk Paduka Mukhriz Mahathir said they have discovered remnants of ancient jetties located 30m apart, indicating that Sungai Batu was once a wide river.
“ Ships once sailed along Sungai Batu, as narrated in Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa.
“ This is an indication that the river was very deep.
“ As the river has disappeared, I cannot wait to discover the secrets beneath the site where a major river once flowed, ” he said.
Mukhriz said there were many other interesting findings at the site that was once a flourishing civilisation dating as far back as the first century.
“ We are trying to gather more evidence following findings in India, West Asia and Arab countries that say the best steel swords were imported from Sungai Batu, ” he said.
Mukhriz said Bujang Valley was once a centre of power complete with defence, trade and administrative facilities.
“ We are also looking into exploring Gunung Jerai, which was also part of the Lembah Bujang, ” he said.
He said the Kedah Government was discussing with Tourism Ministry to develop the Bujang Valley by preserving and reconstructing structures of significant interest including the candi and iron smelting facilities.
“ We want to promote this historical site as a tourist destination, ” he said, adding that many of the sites in Lembah Bujang had been gazetted.
He said the unfortunate incident had created awareness on the importance of conserving the ruins of the ancient civilisation.
“ Lembah Bujang has become well known now, ” he said.
- The Star -
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