Megalithic sites in Lembah Terachi mapped to preserve heritage

PORT DICKSON, July 27 (Bernama) -- Megalithic sites in Lembah Terachi in Kuala Pilah have been mapped to ensure they are protected, while enabling the ancient structures made of large stones to serve as tourist attractions.

Assoc Prof Dr Zuliskandar Ramli, deputy director of the Institute of the Malay World and Civilization (ATMA) at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, said Geographic Information Systems-based mapping was undertaken in reference to all sites in the valley.

The collaborative project with the Negeri Sembilan Museum Board (LMNS), began in June and involved researchers from UKM and representatives from the board.

He said the project's first focus was on the valley, while consequent efforts will be placed on other areas in the state. 

Briefings have also been given to village headmen and other community leaders in the areas where the megalithic sites are located to make them aware of the importance of preserving the structures, Zuliskandar told Bernama today at the Eighth International Conference on Archaeology, History, Language and Culture in the Malay World (ASBAM 8) here.

He added that if the communities did not wish to have the ancient structures and stones in their neighbourhoods, arrangements would be made for them to be relocated to Kompleks Sejarah Pengkalan Kempas which has, since July 1, served as a special gallery for megaliths found in Negeri Sembilan.

State arts, culture and Malay customs and traditions committee chairman Mohamad Nazaruddin Sabtu said the state government had provided special funding for the mapping project because the megaliths were part of the 'adat perpatih' ('perpatih' customs) of the Minangkabau community in Negeri Sembilan who originated from Western Sumatra in Indonesia. 

He added that the mapping of the ancient sites in Lembah Terachi and other areas in the state should not only advance research but also serve as knowledge for society, particularly the younger generation, adding that the gallery in Pengkalan Kempas had the potential to draw local and foreign visitors, while enhancing the existing tourist attractions in the state.

Mohamad Nazaruddin expressed the hope that in the future, the sites would be known on the international stage and receive United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage recognition.

-- BERNAMA