Trivia moment, folks! In view of the upcoming General Elections 2013 we take a peek at what these Parliamentary constituencies located around the country have to offer as well as some insights into the quirky names.
Gelang Patah, Johor (Literal translation: broken bracelet)
The name “Galang Patah” was given by the first menteri besar of Johor, Jaafar Muhammad, while exploring the area with his wife together with his entourage on a boat. He wore a bracelet during his exploration and broke it when he arrived at a particular spot. He then decided to name the spot and the surrounding area of the incident as “Galang Patah” which means broken bracelet. The name then became “Gelang Patah” after much debate between the use of “gelang” and galang”. It is located 25km from the capital city of Johor, and much of its charm stems from the oh-so-yummy signature dish that most Malaysians love called nasi briyani. Oh, and the upcoming ‘duel’ between the former Menteri Besar Ghani Othman and DAP leader Lim Kit Siang at the upcoming General Elections 2013 has catapulted the little town to instant fame.
Batu Gajah, Ipoh (Literal translation: stone elephant)
The name “Batu Gajah” or "stone elephant” in Malay, was allegedly taken from two boulders found in the Kinta river that resembled elephants. It was also mentioned that the stone was purportedly sculpted to look like elephants so as to frighten animals who had been destroying the sugar cane cultivated by villagers in the area. Situated 24km from Ipoh, it is formerly known as the capital of the Kinta district in Ipoh. Over 100 years ago, Batu Gajah was synonymous for its strong British presence. These days, tourists flock the town for some of its attractions including the stately mansion, Kellie’s Castle.
There are two versions to the origins of the name, “Lubok Antu”. It was said that wars often happened within the Iban community in areas close to Ulu Batang Ai. The wars led to an accumulation of corpses which were dropped into the river and flowed towards the pool downstream of Batang Ai. The corpses were left in the river as nobody dared to clear them. This led to the villagers’ assumption that the river and the area close to it has become haunted, hence the name “Lubok Antu”, which means “ghost whirlpool”. Locals also believe that the name was coined after a clash that happened between two brothers Chiri and Jampi after stumbling upon a supernatural entity called, Bunga Nuing. It is believed that the pond where the swordfight took place became haunted since the ghostly sighting.
Tangga Batu, Malacca: (Literal translation: rock stairs)
The origin for the name has not been found. However, “Tangga Batu” or “rock stairs” has been known to be a trademark characteristic of a traditional Melaka house, also called “rumah Melaka”. These stairs are made of concrete and brick with flowery decorative tiles imported mainly from China. The place is located on Jalan Klebang adjacent to the New Ayer Keroh highway, and the charming town is accessible via central Malacca. Not much information can be found about this place except for news on its former member of parliament Idris Haron who is hyped to replace its ex-Chief Minister, Mohd Ali Rustam.
Bukit Katil, Malacca: (Literal translation: bed hill) The name derived from a rock that allegedly resembled a bed and it was on this rock where the people had discovered a gold water urn (batil in Malay). The rock is located on a hill called King Hill, which led to the coining of the name “bed hill” or “Bukit Katil”. The name was officiated after the British colonised it in the 16th century.
Pokok Sena, Kedah: (Literal translation: Sena tree) The place is named after the Sena tree, which is a common shady tree normally found along the river around the district. The area was first developed in the 1920s by a Muslim scholar, Tuan Guru Wan Abdul Samad, and was given the name after he found a big Sena tree while cruising down the Nawa river. It is a great place to visit especially if you’re a foodie, as it is popular for its signature laksa and cendol.
Batu Sapi, Sabah: (Literal translation: cow rock) The name “Batu Sapi” is derived from the area’s famous rock that resembled a cow. Also called a “three legged stone”, this rock can be found at the end of the Batu Sapi road after a short walk and climb over a small hill. Batu Sapi is also a constituency adjacent to Sandakan bordering Libaran and Kinabatangan. Sabah is also home to the Mount Kinabalu which is the tallest mountain in Malaysia.
Kubang Kerian, Kelantan: (Literal translation: Kerian tree bath) Kubang Kerian came from the name of the kampong where founder Tok Kenali grew up in. It is a parliamentary constituency in Kota Bharu and a progressive robust reconstruction has taken place particularly after the establishment of Universiti Sains Malaysia Health Campus in 1983.
Batu Kawan, Penang: (Literal translation: friend rock) The name Batu Kawan came from “Batucawan” when the area was first developed in the 1700s. It was among the oldest towns in Penang, accessible only by ferry from Bukit Tambun. After massive development of the island, the district is known to be a bustling industrial hub after the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Park and Prai Industrial Area. You’d find manufacturing plants for giant companies including Boon Siew Honda, VAT Manufacturing Malaysia and Robert Bosch
Gua Musang, Kelantan: (Literal translation: fox cave) According to local folklore, the name “Gua Musang” was coined when hunters in the past found a cave that was carved out in the shape of a fox running after a chicken. This discovery took place a day after the same hunters and a fox was chasing after the same chicken in a jungle. “Gua Musang” is also the largest district in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, and is currently celebrated for its MP and UMNO veteran, Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah who will defend his seat in on May 5.
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