The China Sea directory - Sabrizain.org

72 MAIiACCA STRAIT.—MALAY COAST. [chap. i.
and for steam launches some miles beyond. The only part difficult of
navigation is the entrance.*
Perak river is supposed to rise in Siamese territory, near the source of
Muda river, the northern boundary of Wellesley province. It flows due
South with many tortuous windings for about 100 miles as far as Durian
Sabatang, from which it runs in a westerly direction to Malacca strait.
The banks of the river are mostly low and covered with jungle.
Its chief importance arises from the tin mines of Lower Perak, the
yield from which is rapidiy improving. In 1879 it amounted in value to
236,000 dollars.
The population of Perak state is about 78,000, of which 56,000 are
Malays and 20,000 Chinese.
Light.—A lighthouse is being constructed at Kwala Perak, on the
south side of entrance to the river.
A Buoy marks the north-east edge of tlie middle flats, in 13 feet,
and lies with Pulo Katta bearing N.W. by W. distant 8 miles, Kwala
Perak lighthouse S.S.E. distant 5J miles, and the large bank which dries
at low water, half a mile south-westward.
Directions.—East ChanneLt—From the northward, having
passed Pulo Katta, steer to bring the south point of Pulo Pangkor nearly
touching the north point of Pangkor Laut bearing N.W. by W. | W.,f
which mark astern will lead northward of the outer fishing stakes and to
the buoj-, in 10 feet least water. From the southward, the western island of
the northern group of Sembilan island, 262 feet high, should be brought
northward of the eastern island of that group before bringing the above
mark astern. After rounding the buoy, the lighthouse buildings will
be seen open to the eastward of the fishing stakes to the southward,
bearing S. by E. J E. ; this bearing kept on will lead over the bar in
not less than 10 feet at low-water springs. The deepest water is on the
eastern side of the channel ; small fishing stakes border this side, and larger
ones the western side. When the entrance is well open alter course up the
river, keeping about 2 cables from the south shore until past the long
shoal lying nearly in mid-channel, when cross over and keep the concave
bank of the river to Kota Stiah. (There is a channel northward of the
mid-channel shoal, but is not usually taken by local traders.) The first
reach in the river is the shallowest (about 10 feet) between the entrance
and Telok Ansou, 30 miles up.
See Admiralty chart :—Malacca strait, No. 7936 ;
also 1,353.
f Lieutenant Henry Belam, E.N., Admiralty Surveyor, 1884,-
J This bearing of Pulo Pangkor leads over Pulo Katta by the chart ; if such is the
case the two objects in line form a much better mark.—Ed.