Tin is Malaysia’s heritage and was mined in Malaysia for more than a century. In fact, tin is directly responsible for British intervention in the Malay states. As a result of the industrial revolution, the heightened demand for tin led to the infamous Larut war. The Pangkor Treaty in 1874 which ended the war was the hallmark of British rule in Malaya. Tin featured significantly since then as one of the twin pillars of the Malaysian economy. I lived in numerous mines in both Selangor and Perak, for example Berjuntai Tin Dredging, Malayan Tin Dredging(Kampong Gajah section), Southern Kinta Consolidated and Bidor Malayan Tin Dredging. The stories relate the experiences through the lens of someone who lived among the mining community. The period discussed is during the tail end of a predominately British-owned company, then the Malayanisation of the tin industry and eventually the collapse of tin prices in 1985.
Today, however we see no sign of the glorious past of the tin industry. I sincerely hope to bridge this gap with my stories from the mines. There is history, geography, languages social events and stories about maids, gardeners, drivers, ‘dulang’ washers, nuns, engineers, accountants, doctors, clerks, electricians, mine managers, directors and even a Sir.
A Malaysian Tin Dredge
After my late husband’s mandatory retirement, he was offered the managing director’s post at Marlborough Resources, a publiclisted company on the Australian Stock Exchange. Thus, our forays to Australia, and the mining stories continue there.
I have enjoyed the varied exposure to the mining industry and whilst reminiscing my experiences, I am thankful for the enriching experience as a miner’s spouse.
Clear Water Sanctuary Golf Resort before development
