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Selangor

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KUALA SELANGOR

2. Clock Tower

Meriam Penggawa

1. Bukit Malawati Historical Complex

“Bukit Malawati was the administrative centre and stronghold of the Selangor sultanate in the late 18th
and early 19th century. A heavily fortified fort once stood on the summit. It was built during the reign
of Sultan Ibrahim from 1782 to 1826 to fight against the Dutch. Selangor had been sucked into the
struggle between the Dutch and the rulers of Johor and Riau.

In the complex are found various relics of the past, including the protective walls of the fort, the
palace ground, a lighthouse. Royal graves, seven wells, a flat stone used for beheading offenders, a 100-
step ladder, a poisonous well and several cannons pointed at the mouth of the Selangor River. It is
thought that the site hides and underground passage used to store treasure.” 1

This cannon is places close to the Royal Mausoleum at Bukit
Malawati. It is known as Meriam Penggawa (Penggawa Canon) due to
it being referred closely in relation to Datuk Penggawa Paduka
Mahabijaya Permatang. This cannon was believed to have been
found at the edge of Sungai Buluh, 12 kilometers to the south of
Kuala Selangor in 1966 and later relocated to Bukit Malawati up to
this day. According to a story, this cannon was categorized to be a
female gender and hence it was referred to as ‘Petoi Boga’ in the
Bugis language, meaning the ‘White Princess’ (Puteri Putih)” 1

“This is a well with cement plaster and round in
shape which is located at the edge of the road to
Bukit Malawati. This well is said to be poisoned and it
was the place of torturing traitors during the earlier
era. The water of the well was poisoned by the
sprinkling of a concoction of various types of poisons
such as poisonous saps and fine hairs of the bamboo
shoot. In the earlier days, a person found to be
guilty of a grave offence would be immersed in the
said well and filled with poisonous fluid up to the
chin level, which would result in the said traitor to
undergo extreme agony and death” 1

“The Mound (Busut) is located on Bukit Malawati approximately 120 meters
from the Batu Hampar (Flat Stone) and built during the era of Sultan Ibrahim
from earth measuring 20 x 20 feet square and with the height of exceeding
12 feet. This mound was built with two objectives, namely as platform for the
Sultan to rest while entertaining the Royal guests from other states as well
as watching people who were involved in cock fighting. The second
objective was to have a storage area for the safekeeping of government
property at that time. It is believed that there was a door to a cave
underneath the mound where the assets of the treasury were kept.” 1

“The Bedrock is situated at the far end of the Sultan’s palace garden. It is placed on an open area with three
descending steps in the direction of the sunrise. It is actually a solid piece of stone measuring 5 x 5 x 1 feet
square and supported by a heap of earth and sand as its base. There is an opinion which states that this stone
was used as a place to behead traitors. Another opinion is of the belief that the stone was a place of
relaxation for Sultan Abdul Samad to view the township of Kuala Selangor” 1

This tall structure was built in 1907. It has two levels
where the lower part has spiral stairs while the bulb for
the light is at the top level. The light is lit from 7.00 pm
till 6.00 am the next day. Sea farers through the Malacca
Straits use this light as a guide for navigation. 1

Year Built: 1907
Designer:
Style:
Location: Bukit Malawati (Near the museum)

“The fort was built by the local people during the reign of Sultan Ibrahim, i.e. the second Sultan of
Selangor (1778 – 1826). Its architecture combines the characteristics of the Malay culture and that of the
West (Holland). It was a strong fort, equipped with cannons made by the Malays and the Dutch.

During the reign of Sultan Ibrahim, in July 1784, the Dutch managed to capture the fort. They then
repaired the fort and named it Altingsburg Fort, after the Dutch Governor. But they didn’t hold it for
long. Sultan Ibrahim recaptured the fort in January 1785 in a daring night attack with the aid of warriors
from Pahang and mercenaries from Permatang. The sultan dumped large rocks in the mouth of the
Selangor River to foil counter attacks by the Dutch.

The victory was significant as it was the first time that a local sultan had been able to retake his fort from
a foreign power. Since then, the fort became the site for defense and the royal residence for the first
three Sultans of Selangor” 1