Tanah merah: The actual age of an ancient perahu (traditional Malay boat) discovered in Kampung Bukit Kechik here is being assessed by the National Heritage Department (JWN) to determine whether it holds significant historical value.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, JWN's Archaeology Division senior curator Rokiah Abdul Samat said an initial survey was conducted on May 2, following the discovery, to verify the findings and for documentation purposes. She emphasized that while the discovery may not appear significant to some, the villagers' decision to report the finding was an important step and should be emulated. "Determining the age of the boat requires further study and analysis before any conclusion can be made," she told Bernama recently.

Rokiah noted that the villagers have shown interest in preserving and conserving the boat, including proposing that it be kept at a suitable location for display to younger generations. Meanwhile, Bukit Kechik Neighbourhood Watch chairman Md Noor Hassan mentioned that the boat was discovered when several villagers noticed what appeared to be part of a boat frame partially buried along the riverbank. He explained that receding water levels in recent weeks had made the structure more visible.

Md Noor further elaborated, "Initially, only a small part of the frame was visible. However, as the water level dropped, the entire structure became clearer. Villagers then took the initiative to excavate the area to get a closer look at the actual shape of the boat." He noted that the boat's age has yet to be determined and requires a comprehensive study by all relevant parties, particularly JWN or historians.

He also mentioned that some villagers believe the boat could be hundreds of years old, based on the history of the area, which was once a docking point for villagers from Danau Tok Uban, Pasir Mas, and Batang Merbau, about 15 kilometres from there. Md Noor expressed that the discovery holds significant historical value for the village and has the potential to become a subject of research. He hopes that relevant parties, including historians and archaeologists, will conduct further studies on the find.

After the initial survey on May 2, JWN, in a statement, said based on its physical characteristics, the boat is believed to have been constructed using local hardwood such as cengal or meranti.