The Historic Legacy and Rainy Serenity of Northern Perak
Larut, Matang & Selama District, located in northwestern Perak, is a unique administrative zone combining Taiping’s colonial heritage, Matang’s coastal wetlands, and Selama’s rural hills and border charm. Together, they form one of the most picturesque, culturally rich, and historically significant districts in Malaysia.
Formation and Historical Background
- Established: Initially developed during the British colonial era in the 19th century, especially due to the Larut Wars (1860s–1870s) between Chinese secret societies over tin mining rights
- The district was once known for its rich tin deposits, and Taiping became the first administrative capital of Perak before it moved to Ipoh
- Taiping means “everlasting peace”, renamed after the resolution of the Larut Wars
- Selama, a northern frontier town, was merged with Larut & Matang for administrative efficiency
- The district pioneered Malaysia’s firsts: railway (1885), museum (1883), zoo (1961), hill resort (Maxwell Hill)
Basic Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| District Name | Larut, Matang & Selama District |
| State | Perak |
| District Capital | Taiping |
| Area | Approx. 1,798 sq. km |
| Population (2025 est.) | Approx. 310,000 |
| Local Authority | Majlis Perbandaran Taiping (MPT) |
Administrative Subdivisions (Mukim / Zones)
- Taiping Town – Colonial and administrative hub
- Matang – Mangrove zone, fishing communities
- Kamunting – Industrial and residential growth area
- Bukit Gantang & Batu Kurau – Agricultural and rural villages
- Selama – Border town near Kedah, hilly and serene
Government and Notable Figures
| Position / Role | Name | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| President of Taiping Municipal Council | Khairul Amir Mohamad Zubir | Heads local governance (MPT) |
| District Officer (DO) | Tuan Haji Mohd Fahmi Ismail | Oversees land and rural administration |
| Member of Parliament (MP – Taiping) | YB Wong Kah Woh | Represents federal urban zone |
| Member of Parliament (MP – Bukit Gantang) | YB Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal | Semi-rural representation |
| State Assemblymen (ADUNs) | ADUNs for Kamunting, Trong, Selama, etc. | Cover urban, rural, and hilly regions |
| Notable Figure | Tuan Haji Abdul Ghani Mat Isa | Nature guide & heritage conservationist |
Key Towns and Areas
- Taiping – Historical city with gardens, lakes, museums
- Kamunting – Industrial parks, housing developments
- Selama – Quiet border town with rural Malay charm
- Matang & Kuala Sepetang – Fishing villages, charcoal kilns
- Bukit Larut (Maxwell Hill) – Malaysia’s oldest hill resort
Economy & Livelihood
- Tourism:
- Heritage, eco-tourism, and hill retreat based
- Agriculture:
- Rubber, durian, palm oil, rice
- Fisheries & Aquaculture:
- Matang mangroves, seafood export
- Light industry:
- Furniture, food processing, local manufacturing
Education & Institutions
- Government and religious secondary schools
- Vocational and MARA colleges
- Islamic boarding schools and pondok institutions
- Community learning centers in rural Selama and Bukit Gantang
Healthcare Facilities
- Hospital Taiping – One of the oldest government hospitals
- Health clinics in Kamunting, Matang, Selama
- Private clinics and pharmacies available in urban areas
Transport & Connectivity
- Connected via North–South Expressway (PLUS) (Changkat Jering exit)
- Taiping Railway Station – ETS and Komuter
- Public buses, vans, and e-hailing services
- Access to Penang, Kedah, and Ipoh
Tourism & Attractions
- Taiping Lake Gardens – Iconic park with colonial trees
- Perak Museum (1883) – Oldest in Malaysia
- Bukit Larut (Maxwell Hill) – Hill resort with jeep access
- Zoo Taiping & Night Safari
- Kuala Sepetang (Port Weld) – Fireflies, mangroves, seafood
- Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve – Eco-tourism haven
- Heritage trail – colonial buildings, schools, temples
Culture & Local Cuisine
- Multicultural mix: Malay, Chinese (Hokkien, Cantonese), Indian
- Food highlights:
- Cendol Taiping, Mee Udang Kuala Sepetang, Nasi Lemuni, Popiah, Curry Mee
- Traditional events:
- Cultural festivals, fishing boat processions, hill races, kenduri kampung
- Active local arts, music, and heritage groups
Summary
Larut, Matang & Selama District is a land of “firsts, forests, and forgotten stories”—where the rain kisses heritage, hills cradle history, and the people uphold traditions in quiet pride. From the peaceful lanes of Taiping to the mangroves of Matang and the hills of Selama, this district offers an authentic Malaysian soul for every traveler and storyteller.