Most people know the name Muar was used in accordance with its river, the Muar river. Muar river is frequently mentioned in Hikayat Malim Dewa-dewa Deman (Stories of Malim Dewa-dewa Deman). The name Muar was stated here as:
Muar belum bernama Muar (Muar was not known as Muar)
Muar bernama Teluk Dalam (Muar was named Teluk Dalam)
From the above writing, it explains the river Muar was originally named Teluk Dalam. The name Teluk Dalam was used maybe due to the fact that many rivers join to one opening to the sea, or a very wide river opening to the sea or estuary.
Some say the name Muar is shortened from the word Muara, a word from Malay Sunda language meaning a very wide river opening to the sea or estuary.
One interesting opinion says, the word Muar was related to the word Muak which means tired of rowing the boat in this very big and winding river. (Jazlan's note: My late grandfather used to tell me this story and I thought he was joking!!!)
Another opinion says the name Muar is from the Hindu word Munu, meaning three, and Ar, meaning river. Here, it was believed to have been originated from a big state in south India in ancient times called Munar or Muar, meaning state of three rivers. This state was formed from three rivers joining into one opening to the sea (estuary). These ancient Hindu people came to Muar looking for gold and they discovered there are three rivers (Muar river, Serting river and Pahang river) joining to one opening to the sea, same as what they had in thier homeland. These people named this place with reference to their homeland.
Contributed by Hassni Bin Hussin's Web Site (Bahasa Malaysia)
View