Hang Tuah expedition: Historical discoveries to be recorded

PEKAN: The historical findings along the 450-kilometre route that legendary Melaka warrior Hang Tuah undertook in Pahang in his effort to win the heart of Tun Teja for the Sultan of Melaka then will be immortalised in a book for the future generation.

Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron said the responsibility to gather and record the facts would be carried out by the Malaysian Institute for Historical and Patriotism Studies (IKSEP) that is wellknown for the publication of historical genre.

He said, apart from going through the route that was identified in a thesis study by the Yang Dipertua of Melaka, Tun Dr Mohd Khalil Yaakob, the expedition also uncovered several new findings in interviews with the local residents.

“Among others, we discovered that Hang Tuah had stopped over at Pulau Habib Hassan which is located at the Sungai Pahang river mouth in Pekan. Also found were several ancient graves that were connected to the Melaka Sultanate era.

“This requires a detailed study. What is more important is that the expedition proves that Hang Tuah’s history is true, although some may question it,” he said.

Idris said this in a press conference after launching the ‘Early Malay Civilisation Historical Trail Expedition’ (Ekspedisi Menyelusuri Laluan Bersejarah dalam Tamadun Awal Melayu) programme here yesterday, that was also attended by State Health, Human Resources and Special Tasks Committee chairman Datuk Norol Azali Sulaiman .

Also present were state secretary Datuk Seri Muhammad Saffian Ismail, Melaka State Secretary Datuk Seri Naim Abu Bakar, IKSEP general manager Datuk Dr Aziz Ujang and Melaka Development and Heritage Committee deputy chairman Datuk Norpipah Abdol .

He said the expedition also strengthened the bond between the four states involved along the river route, namely Melaka, Pahang, Negeri Sembilan and Johor.

“Tourism can also be developed in the strategic areas throughout the river route, providing a source of income for villagers as well as reducing the migration of youths to cities,” Idris added.

Norol Azali also agreed on the matter as the Sungai Pahang route which also joined with Sungai Bera, could help develop Tasik Bera, near here that is also popular for agro-tourism activities including the rearing of caged fish.