Wreck of ancient Malay vessel discovered on Pulau Melaka
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Preliminary studies revealed that the ship is made of saga wood.
PHOTO: THE STAR/ ASIA NEWS NETWORK
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MELAKA – The wreck of an ancient Malay vessel has been discovered on Pulau Melaka.
Melaka Chief Minister Ab Rauf Yusoh said this is one of the historic city’s most significant archaeological finds in recent years.
He said the wooden ship, estimated at 50m to 70m in length, further enriches the state’s historical narrative.
“This archaeological initiative is being carried out with utmost care to validate and preserve the artefact.
“It will be placed in one of Melaka’s museums after conservation and research,” he said on Oct 30.
Datuk Seri Ab Rauf said the discovery would not only shed new light on Melaka’s rich history, but also pave the way for the development of a unique cultural tourism attraction.
“This will further elevate our state as a world-renowned destination for heritage, history and civilisation,” he added.
Melaka Chief Minister Ab Rauf Yusoh said this is one of the historic city’s most significant archaeological finds in recent years.
PHOTOS: THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
The National Heritage Department’s deputy heritage commissioner, Mr Ruzairy Arbi, said the ship, believed to date back to the 13th century, was uncovered during a joint excavation with the Melaka Museum Authority.
He said the find is an important milestone for the nation while strengthening Melaka’s reputation for maritime prominence during its golden age.
Mr Ruzairy said preliminary studies revealed that the ship is made of saga wood, which is native to the Malay Archipelago, along with traces of merbau.
He said: “At this stage, we are still assessing the available data and artefacts to piece together the ship’s history.
“We plan to extract these components and carry out conservation work to better understand how it was constructed.” THE STAR/ ASIA NEWS NETWORK
