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Lukut is a small town in Port Dickson District, Negri Sembilan. Today it is one of many small towns in the state, however it has a rich history connected with the history of tin mining in the area.
Tin mining began in Lukut around 1824, which gives it a head start over other towns in the Malay peninsula. This was carried out by local chieftains of Bugis descent, who eventually established their royal court in Selangor. In those early days, Malacca was the main outlet for exporting tin, although eventually its role was surpassed by Singapore.
Gopuram of Sri Ambal Temple, Lukut (29 December 2006)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
There were five main rivers in Selangor; each had its own yield of tin, and each was under the control of a chieftain. In most cases, the chieftain is related to the ruler. The Lukut River was under the control of Raja Jumaat Raja Jaafar, the younger brother-in-law to the then ruler, Sultan Abdul Samad (1857-1896), while the Klang River was controlled by Raja Abdullah, another brother-in-law. Raja Jumaat employed tin miners controlled by the Ghee Hin Kongsi (depending on how you look at it, Ghee Hin can be a clan association or a secret society).
Although Lukut was one of the earlier tin-mining towns of Malaya, it was also one of the earlier ones to be exhausted. By the 1860s, just when tin mining went into full swing in the Larut District of Perak, the ore at Lukut had very much depleted, bringing the industry into decline. This forced the Selangor miners to look elsewhere, to Kanching and Kuala Lumpur, and soon Lukut was largely forgotten.
Today it is a sleepy little town that most people rush through in their haste to reach Port Dickson. Those who do stop to look around can visit the following attractions.
Fort Lukut (Kota Lukut)
Fort Lukut or Kota Lukut is the most prominent historic sight in Lukut. It was erected by the local chieftain, Raja Jumaat Raja Jaafar in 1847, at a time when Lukut was making its name as a major tin producer. The fort was of course to protect the tin mines from invaders.To ensure a good view all around, he placed it at the top of a hillock, called Bukit Gajah Mati (Dead Elephant Hill), which afford what must have been a splendid view of the tin mines below. From here, Raja Jumaat can see the river, which is the vital artery, not only for dislodging the ore, but also for shipping it out.
Today visitors can view the ruins of the fort, or what's left of it. There was a moat, but it is very well overgrown. When it was in use, the moat was planted with sharp-pointed bamboo sticks.
Lukut Museum
This two-storey museum is located near the site recalling the history of tin mining in the area. The museum was opened in 1999 by the Malaysia Museum Department. Within the museum are four galleries, providing information on the history of Lukut, the culture of Negeri Sembilan, and of traditional handicrafts.Lukut Museum is open daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, and is closed on the first day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri and also the first day of Hari Raya Aidiladha.
Lukut Mausoleum of Selangor Royalty (29 December 2006)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
Lukut Royal Mausoleum
The Lukut Royal Mausoleum, or Makam DiRaja Lukut, is the final resting place for a few members of the Selangor royalty. It was built by Raja Jumaat when Lukut was still part of Selangor.Sri Ambal Hindu Temple
One of the most prominent Hindu temples in Lukut, the Sri Ambal Hindu Temple was founded in 1890 as a small roadside shrine under a neem tree. It was visited by Indian plantation workers who prayed to the deity Ambal. The local Hindus believe that devotion to the deity has brought them much prosperity and material wealth, which is likely true, judging from the size of the temple today.
Sri Ambal Hindu Temple, Lukut, Negri Sembilan (29 December 2006)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
Visiting Lukut
Exit the North South Expressway Southern Route at Exit 219 to the Seremban - Port Dickson Highway (E29). Follow the signage to reach Lukut.BIBLIOGRAPHY
History of Malaya (1919), by J. Kennedy, page 159, published by Kyle, Palmer & Co Ltd, republished by S.A. Majeed & Co Sdn Bhd, ISBN 983-197-589-8
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