History
In ancient times, the area was believe to be part of the Hindu-Malay Gangga Negara kingdom that collapsed in the 11th century. The area was a rich source of tin the late 19th century, and the main Dinding river served as a major waterway for steamships laden with ore, bound for Penang.
Legend tells of a work elephant, overburdened with tin ore, becoming stuck in the river mud at low tide. Despite efforts, it could not be freed and was abandoned, save for its companion, another elephant who refused to leave until both perished in the rising waters. This impressed the hicks who named the place Kampung Sungai Gajah Mati (Village by the River Where the Elephants Died). A smallpox outbreak in 1886 convinced the superstitious locals to change the name to Setia Kawan or “loyal friend”, to placate the spirits of the elephants. Over time, this became “Sitiawan”.
In 1903, more than 360 Chinese Christians from Fujian, China, consisting of Kutian, Hockchiu, Hockcheng and Henghua people (collectively known as Fuzhou) were settled in the area. Today, many Fuzhous in the surrounding area and major cities such as Ipoh trace their roots to Sitiawan.
World War II saw the arrival of the Japanese in the area, galvanising the local population into resistance, one of whom, the infamous Chin Peng, formed a Communist guerrilla army that not only fought the Japanese, but later the British colonial administration, resulting in the Malayan Emergency of 1948-1960.
In recent times, Sitiawan’s economy has boomed, with the establishment of the Royal Malaysian Naval Base in nearby Lumut, as well as the settlement of swiftlets, whose nests are used to make the Chinese delicacy of bird’s nest soup. With prosperity came rapid and somewhat uncontrolled development, increased infrastructure and pollution to what used to be a sleepy village.
Attractions
Attractions are few and far in between. Some aspects of the old traditional ways of village life, revolving around feasts and festivals, are disappearing. Wooden early 20th century colonial style buildings are also vanishing under the new development.
Sitiawan Settlement Museum
Opened in 2003, the Sitiawan Settlement Museum was established to preserve the history and artifacts of the Fuzhou settlers. It is housed in a converted 70-year-old church parsonage. Out the back is the well dug by the early pioneers for their water supply (now disused). Address: K6, Jalan Ling Ching Mi, Kampung Koh, 32000 Sitiawan. Tel/Fax: 05-6920612.
Sitiawan has the Chinese Methodist Church, a small white building in the shape of a cross. Originally built in 1905, it was later rebuilt and renovated after a fire. The current setup dates from 1927 and is situated near the Sitiawan Settlement Museum. There is also Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan, or known more popularly as ACS (Anglo Chinese School) that is over a hundred years old. It’s still a functioning school, and not as interesting as you might expect.
Transportation
To get to Setiawan from airport, one can take Star Shuttle Express bus from KLIA2 to Setiawan with only 2 to 3 hours bus ride.
Food
The Fuzhou Culture
Hockchiu culture figure prominently in Sitiawan, especially Kampung Koh. Red rice wine (“mien siang”), kong piang buns, and sweet and sour fish maw soup (“goroow”) is part of the tradition.
Shopping
You’re unlikely to get anything interesting here, but you can check this out: Shopping in Sitiawan
Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: elyn
Contributors
text from world66.com
March 01, 2007 change by lynkster (2 points)
January 10, 2006 change by giorgio
