Perak War

The Perak War (1875–76) took place between British and local forces in Perak, a state in northwestern Malaysia. The sultan of Upper Perak and other local chiefs attempted to end foreign influence in the region and remove the British administrator James W.W. Birch. Following the murder of Birch in 1875, British forces were sent in to end local resistance.

Portrait of Dato' Maharaja Lela
Sultan Abdullah with Dato Sagor and J. W. W. Birch, 1874

The start

After the murder of James W. W. Birch, the Malays first planned on attacking Bandar Bahru on the night of 2 November, but it is aborted due to heavy rain. British reinforcements started to arrive from Hong Kong and Burma by the 6th. A skirmish happened near a Malay-held stockade near Bandar Tua, Perak on 7 November 1875 involving around 106 British soldiers. This was the first battle in the war. Encountering unexpected resistance, the battle ended with the retreat of the British detachment, who lost 4 men including Captain Innes, an officer. Reinforcements were sent, and 300 men soon arrived in the state with 80 boats. Most of the army were sent from India and Hong Kong.

The Siege of Pasir Salak

On the 15th, the British army arrived at Pasir Salak. The place was well defended, with a fort that had a six-foot rampart, coupled with a wooden wall on top and with a trench filled with sharpened spikes and traps. The warriors had several lantaka with them, alongside some muskets. The British attacked relentlessly, but the first attack failed, killing Captain Innes. Soon, the attacks gave fruit, and it was captured on 12 December. Pasir Salak was razed by the soldiers under orders from William Jervois.

The Battle of Kota Lama Kanan

The warriors, under Dato Maharaja Lela, soon retreated to Sayong. The British followed them, attacking enemy forts and villages on the way. Then, on 4 January 1876, they were ambushed at Kota Lama Kanan, Sayong. Brigadier H.J. Hawkins was killed during the fight.

Last days of the war

Soon, the warriors began to lose strength. By mid-1876, the war ended with the capture of prominent leaders and warriors, such as Sultan Abdullah II, Dato Maharaja Lela, and Ngah Ibrahim. The first was captured and hanged in Matang with two followers in 1877, while the latter two were exiled to the Seychelles. Thus ended any direct opposition over British control of Perak.

References
  • Swettenham, Frank Athelstane (1967), Stories and sketches. Kuala Lumpur: Oxford University Press.
  • Ghulam Jie M Khan (1992), 1000 Kisah dan Fakta Raja dan Kerabat Melayu. Negeri Sembilan: Ainna's Publications


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