Visitor Guide To Malaysia: Malaysia Hotels, Malaysian, Travel

The history of Perak is closely linked to the fate of Melaka and its capture by the Portuguese in 1511. Upon their defeat the leaders of the Malaka Empire dispersed to the north and south to re-establish their power. The eldest son of the Sultan, headed to the north, where he became the first sultan of Perak. Today, only Perak possesses a royal house descended directly from the rulers of the legendary Melaka Empire.

The discovery of tin deposits in the mid 19th century thrust Perak into a cycle of prosperity and political turmoil involving local and foreign powers. It also led to the influx of varied ethnic communities adding to the eventual colourful mix of Perak’s resident community. Perak shared a similar fate to other states during World War II with the Japanese occupation. Towards the end of the 19th century conditions stabilized and Perak moved on to develop and grow in new directions.


The making of Labu Sayang

Today Perak has a population of around 2.3 million. The majority are Malays, followed by a large Chinese segment, Indians and various other ethnic groups.