In the books of the famous Malay writer Muhammad Ibrahim Munsyi (Abdullah Munsyi), it was mentioned there are two wealthy and well developed villages in the area of Padang namely Kampung Orangkaya Haji Junid (Village of the Rich Man Haji Junid) and Kampung Orangkaya Ringgit (Village of the Rich Man Ringgit). Kampung Orangkaya Ringgit is called Parit Raja.
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Taha bin Benut, original settlers of Parit Raja village. He is from the family of Orangkaya Ringgit. He was an intellectual and aggressive man who was dedicated in developing his people. Born in 1862 and died in 1945. |
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Webmaster's Note: Hj Hassan Hj Arshat was born in Mekah, Saudi Arabia with relation to the Al Kalantan clan (also linked to madrasahs in Penang, Kelantan and Pattani. He was appointed the Imam of Masjid Jamek Muar in 1940s and at a house beside the Masjid Jamek which was demolished and later raised his family in Parit Sakai Muar where he started and administer Masjid Parit Sakai. This picture show's him wearing the same suit as Taha bin Benut. They must have known each other and attended an event of some significance which resulted in these photos being taken. Hj Hassan Hj Arshat is my granfather from my mother's side. |
The village of Parit Raja was opened by Orangkaya Yusuh Bin Bonjol in 1852. Among the things that made this village significant is Balai AlMarhum Sultan Abu Bakar (Office of the late Sultan Abu Bakar). Here was where His Mejesty met with village leaders of Padang during his trips from Teluk Belanga (in Singapore). Here, His Mejesty had a wife called Cik Puan Fatimah, a daughter of Orangkaya Ringgit.
The most important natural resource of Parit Raja is Pinang Kotai.
In academic development, Parit Raja was the first village to introduce the reading of "Nazam" among the mothers community. After the opening of Johor Education Office in Johor Bahru in 1883, this village have built Sekolah Melayu (Malay School). The teachers came from Teluk Belanga (in Singapore). After three years, the school had to be closed due to lack of support from the community. The people then still held strongly to the traditional education system.
There was also a famous bloody tragedy happened in this village. The incident was called Lembing Awang Pulang ke Dayang (Awang's Spear Returned to Dayang). The tragedy is a source for a few Syair (a form of classical Malay poetry). These classical poetries are still kept in this village. The poetry below describes the lifestyle of the people here:
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Contributed by Hassni Bin Hussin's Web Site (Bahasa Malaysia)
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