Place Names

Usually a river would be the boundary to demarcate the neighbouring states or countries. In the case of Perak and Penang the Krian River serves as the boundary. But the area between Parit Buntar in the east and Sg. Acheh, that is south of Sungei Krian/Nibong Tebal the land is under Penang. Sg. Krian is not the boundary for this part. The boundary for this part of Perak/Penang is at the cross road of a small town known as Simpang Empat where on the Penang side is known as Permatang Kling.

How did it happen?

It goes back to 1825, a bit of history from Joginder Singh Jessy's History of Malaya 1400-1959.The penghulu of Kurau was Nakhoda Udin was suspected of being a pirate. He was arrested by the British and handed over to the Raja of Ligor who claimed that Udin was not a pirate and that Kurau was part of Kedah (now Province Wellesley or Seberang Prai Selatan).And since Perak feared the Siamese it was not challenged but Governor Fullerton even endorsed it.

Hence , the northern part of Krian belonged to Penang and the east-west road became the boundary.

Next time when you take the old trunk road to Penang keep a look out for this border town.