• Kampung Sungai Ramal

“The tin boom in the district occurred in the middle of 1890’s, when Chinese businessmen made huge investments in the district. One of the Chinese miners was Goh Ah Ngee,who was active in Balau (Broga today). He even built a church for a small group of Chinese Christians in the area. The first mine at Semenyih was opened by a Hokkien named Cheah King. Other Chinese miners were Khoo Seah, who had mines at Sungai Cheow (Sungai Chua today) Road (1896), Loke Yew at Sungai Merbau in Hulu Langat (1896) and Sungai Kachau in Semenyih (1897), Low Boon Kim at Sungai Jebat (1897) and Chan Yoke who operated a mine at Kajang (present Metro Kajang site). Tin was also found just outside of Kajang where Hakka coolies called it Xi Mi Shan (Tin Ore Hill).This site is the only mining pool left in Kajang. Recently, the Kajang Municipal Council converted the site into a recreational park. Tin mining industry in the district turned out to be a relatively minor enterprise, paling in comparison to other towns in the state. This prompted the District Office to suggest moving to agriculture.”

“Only mining pool left in Kajang (at Sungai Chua) converted into a recreational park.”

(Sumber: Eric Lim @ Museum Volunteers, JMM, July 15, 2020: |"History of Kajang").

CATATAN: Kronologi ini terhad pada lombong-lombong di Sungai Ramal yang ada di dalam rekod kolonial di Arkib Negara sahaja. Rekod-rekod kegiatan perlombongan oleh warga tempatan dan perantau sebelumnya secara spesifik, belum ditemui.

Arkib Negara 1957/0042264W, 25/05/1893: |"CHOP SIN LEE - RECOMMENDS THEIR APPLICATION FOR 17 ACRES OF MINING LAND AT SUNGAI RAMAL".

“District Office, Kajang, Ulu Langat, 9th May, 1895.
Subject: Reports granting four Contiguous blocks of 25 acres of mining land at Sungei Ramal in the Mukim of Cheras.
Sir,
I have the honour to inform you that I have granted four contiguous blocks of 25 acres at Sungei Ramal to what I believe is practically the same firm, namely Mr Vong Sam's firm (of K. Lumpur).
2. I enclose a plan showing position on the ground.
3. The portion marked 2 (in red) was granted first to Vong Sam and portion 1 (in red) which had previously been held under an expired license by another man for a year but had not been touched, was granted to him.
4. And relations of Vong Sam or members of his firm applied for portions 3 and 4 (in red). These I have granted because from all I can bear Vong Sam's firm is well backed, at the same time as Vong Sam seems the actual factor for all these applications it seems right to inform you of the action taken.” - J.H.M. Robson, Acting District Officer, Ulu Langat.

(Sumber: PEJABAT SETIAUSAHA KERAJAAN NEGERI SELANGOR, 09/05/1895: |"MINING LAND AT SUNGEI RAMAL IN THE MUKIM OF CHERAS-FOUR BLOCKS OF 25 ACRES, GRANTED TO MR. VOUG SAN'S FIRM OF KUALA LUMPUR").

“Mines Office, Kajang, Ulu Langat. Dated 30th September, 1895.
Subject: Applications for four blocks of 25 acres of mining land at Anak Sungei Ramal on the Sungei Chuow Road by Messrs Chow Kit(25) Loke Hang(25), McEwen(50)
Sir,
I have the honour to forward herewith 4 applications for four 25 acre blocks of mining land at Anak Sungei Ramal in the mukim of Kajang.
2. The land is situated to the South of the New Sungei Chuow Road and 1 3/4 miles from Kajang.
3. Although the applications have been made by three different persons there is a suspicion that they are practically for the same man viz Mr Loke Yeow who has already been given 25 acres near this place.
4. Mr McEwen is not in a position to open mining land, and is at present one of Mr Loke Yew's employees as is also Loke Hang I believe. Whilst Mr Chow Kit is generally a partner with Mr Loke Yew, in such routines(?).
5. If the hundred acres now applied for is not granted, Messrs. Song Chye and Yap Chong (who is probably connected with Mr Song Chye) ask that they may have fifty acres in this place.
6. I would suggest that Mr Chow Kit and Mr Loke Hang be given the choice of 50 acres and that Mr McEwen's applications be refused.
7. Whoever works mines in this vicinity will require the use of engines so I would not hesitate to grant fair areas.
8. If my suggestion is adopted I would give Mr Song Chye and Mr Yap Chong second choice in this vicinity.” - J.H.M. Robson, Inspector of Mines, Ulu Langat.

(Sumber: PEJABAT SETIAUSAHA KERAJAAN NEGERI SELANGOR, 30/09/1895: |"APPLICATIONS FOR MINING LAND AT ANAK SUNGEI RAMAL FROM MESSR CHOW KIT 25 ( ACRES ) LOKE HANG ( 25 ACRES ) AND E.J. MR. EVEN ( 50ACRES) ALSO FROM SONG CHYE AND YAP CHONG ( 50 ACRES )").

Pada 10 April 1896, Yap Foh Kiow membuat permohonan tanah lombong seluas 50 ekar di Sungai Ramal:-

“Mines Office, Kajang. Dated 10 April 1896.
Subject: Application from Yap Foh Kiow for 50 ac. of land at S. Ramal mukim Kajang.
Sir,
I have the honour to forward herewith an application from Mr Yap Toh Kiow of Kuala Lumpur for 50 acres of mining land at Sungei Ramal in the mukim of Kajang.
2. He wants land near the 40 acres granted to Towkay Khoo Siah in your 4951/95.
3. I would recommend that he be given 50 acres on condition that he builds a substantial two-storeyed brick & file shophouse in Kajang, to the value of at least $700-. Within six months of his receiving his license.” Walter William (W.W.) Skeat, Inspector of Mines, Ulu Langat.

Ianya diluluskan (25 ekar sahaja, tanpa syarat) pada 16 April 1896:-

“25 acres sanctioned.
2. I do not consider it advisable to complicate the issue of a mining license by connecting it with the erection of a town house.” - J.R. 16.4

“G.S. Noted, but there was a very recent precedent in Mr Robson's time (vide your Ulu Langat 4951/?) When the land all ? adjoining the very block now applied for was granted on condition that applicants wd build as many as three brick shop-houses in Kajang; noted that this is not to be taken as a precedent.” -W.S. 17.4.96

(Sumber: PEJABAT SETIAUSAHA KERAJAAN NEGERI SELANGOR, 10/04/1896: |"TOWKAY YAP FOH KIOWS' APPLICATION FOR 50 ACRES OF MINING LAND AT SUNGEI RAMAL").

25 Ogos 1897: Cadangan melelong lombong Allen & Co:-

“A SUGGESTION FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICER OF ULU LANGAT TO THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARY FOR THE AUCTION SALE OF A MINING LAND THAT WAS OWNED BY MESSIER ALLEN & CO WHICH WILL BE DIVIDED INTO BLOCKS AND SOLD AT A LOW UPSET PREMIUM OF $1 AN ACRE.”

Pada 30 November 1897, Pegawai Daerah mendapati sambutan yang dingin terhadap lelongan tanah lombong ini:-
“District Office, Ulu Langat; Dated 30th November 1897.
Sir,
In continuation of my UL L?253/97 I have the honour to report that there seems little likelihood of the land, survey and auction of which was therein authorised, being sold at even the upset price of $1.00 per acre.
2. There was a considerable rush for land in this vicinity in the month of August, when this auction was proposed, but the demand has now subsided, several of the then applicants have obtained land elsewhere, without the delays incident to survey and auction, and I feel it my duty to warn the Govt: that it is improbable that more than a very few, if any, of the 27 blocks now being surveyed will be purchased, while it will be difficult to get them all taken up, even on the ordinary terms, as some deep land not applied for has been included in the area being subdivided for auction.
3. The work is being executed by a licensed surveyor and I make this…”

(Sumber: PEJABAT SETIAUSAHA KERAJAAN NEGERI SELANGOR, 25/08/1897: |"RECOMMENDS AUCTION SALE OF MINING LAND AT SUNGEI RAMAL").

Pada 1 September 1897, Yap Kwan Seng dan Wee Hap(Hup) Lang mengemukakan permohonan tanah perlombongan di sekitar Sungai Ramal. Ianya diluluskan pada 7 September 1897. Kandungan surat permohonan:-

“Dated 1st September 1897: Application from Yap Kwan Seng and Wee Hap Lang for 100 acres of mining land at Sungei Ramal.
Sir,
I have the honour to report receipt of an application from Messrs Yap Kwan Seng and Wee Hap Lang for 100 acres of mining land at Sungei Ramal.
2. The land applied for lies to the north of the Sungei Cheow Road at a distance of about 3 1/2 miles from Kajang.
3. A small extent of land in the vicinity is being mined with fairly good results.
4. The Captain China holds together some 700 acres, scattered about the Kajang Mukim and has yet done but little towards opening up the land. He informs me, however, that he intends to commence work on a large scale now that Railway communication has been established with Kajang.
I recommend that applicants be given a selection of 50 acres.” - District Officer, Ulu Langat.

(Sumber: PEJABAT SETIAUSAHA KERAJAAN NEGERI SELANGOR, 01/09/1897: |"APPLICATION FROM YAP KWAN SENG (CAPTAIN CHINA) AND WEE HUP LANG FOR 100 ACRES OF MINING LAND AT SUNGEI RAMAL").

“Mr. Wee Hap Lang, of 19, Rodger Street, Kuala Lumpor, is vice-president of the Selangor Anti-Opium Society, and was a delegate to the first Anti-Opium Conference at Ipoh. He is the son of Mr. Wee Liang Hin, and was born in Malacca. His father and grandfather were merchants at Malacca. The latter was a financier and established an extensive business with the Malays and the Chinese miners. In the course of business Mr. Wee Hap Lang's father made many trips up country, and on one of these, about thirty-five years ago, he became sick and dies at Ro[e]ko Hill, Kajang. Another member of the family was murdered by the Malays in Perak. The subject of this sketch entered the Government service after obtaining a training in different mercantile houses. Resigning in 1894, he started in business on his own account at Kuala Lumpor. Coming under the notice of Captain China Yap Kwan Seng, he acted as his assistant and English secretary until the time of the captain's death in 1902. On two occasions during Captain China's absence in China he managed his affairs. He is the founder of the British Malayan Mining Company, Ltd., just floated privately, and is developing several other mining properties. He possesses mines of his own at Serdang, Sungei Besi, Damansara, and Kajang. Mr. Wee Hap Lang is vice-president of the Selangor Chinese Chamber of Commerce, a committee member of the Mandarin School, a trustee of the Anglo-Chinese School, a member of the Turf Club, the Weld Hill Club, and many other similar institutions. He is also one of the originators of the Chinese Christian Association of Singapore. Nine sons and four daughters were born to him, all of whom are living. Of the former, one is being educated in England and another in America. The whole family are being thoroughly trained in English and Chinese. Mr. and Mrs. Wee Hap Lang celebrated their silver wedding on October 10, 1907.” (Twentieth Centry Impressions of British Malaya, hlm.161).

“Another member of the anti-opium movement, who was also a miner, Wee Hap Lang once voiced in his interview session; 'Opium smokers have only one goal and that is the goal of a wreck. They will begin to smoke, and then they will smoke, smoke, smoke; it depends on the constitution of an individual or other circumstances, but in the end, they are sure to become a wreck.'” (Jayakumary Marimuthu, Mohd Firdaus Abdullah, 2020: |"Opium smoking suppression campaigns and the role of anti-opium movements in the Federated Malay States, 1906-1910". Jebat: Malaysian Journal of History, Politics and Strategic Studies, 47 (3). pp. 31-57. ISSN 2180-0251, hlm.44).

“The Stevenson Scheme created as much division among the Asian rubber planting community as it did their European counterparts. The scheme was complex and, therefore, could not be easily understood by the large number of Asian planters, many of whom had no English education. Its enforcement was open to criticism as it could not always guarantee that all producers would be fairly treated. One major grievance among Asian planters, in the course of the operation of the scheme, was that whereas, owing to cleaner and more scientific methods of tapping and planting, European estates had their productions either augmented or at least not reduced, Asian estates had their quotas drastically cut down much below their actual capacities based on returns for the year 1919-20. Discontent among the Asian planters was so pervasive that Choo Kia Peng, then one of the two Chinese Unofficial Members of the Federal Council, took the initiative, after consultation with the relevant authorities, to send out invitations, on 4 April 1925, calling for a meeting to consider the formation of, as it was originally proposed, an 4 Asiatic Rubber Producers' Association of Malaya'.61 On 1 May 1925, there was a large gathering of over 80 interested persons at the hall of the Selangor Chamber of Mines in Kuala Lumpur. The representatives came from various parts of the country. The Malays, however, were not represented. There was also no representation from Penang and Kedah, although Kia Peng had written to invite representatives from the Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce and the Kedah Chinese Planters' Association, the only one of its kind in Malaya. ….. Selangor had the greatest number of representatives, among them, apart from Choo Kia Peng (born in Kamunting, near Taiping, who later sought his fortune in Selangor, initially as an employee of Loke Yew), Khoo Boo Gong, Teh Seow Teng, Goh Hock Huat (of Penang origin but who had settled down at Klang where he had become a successful planter and was known as the 'Pineapple King'), Wee Hap Lang and Chan Wing63 (better known in tin mining circles).” (KHOO KAY KIM, Journal of the Malaysian Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society, Vol. 72, No. 2 (277), JOHN M. GULLICK FESTSCHRIFT (1999), pp. 17-47 (31 pages): |"DEVELOPMENTS RELEVANT TO MALAYAN AGRICULTURE IN THE POST-RUBBER CRISIS ERA (1920-1921)", hlm.36).

“A link with the old Selangor of the Capitans China and quickly-made fortunes, was severed yesterday with the death of 78-year-old Mr. Wee Hap Lang, at his residence in Ampang Road, Kuala Lumpur. Proprietor of Chop Wong Woh Long, which owns large rubber plantations and tin mines, Mr. Wee came of a well-known Malacca Chinese family. It was after coming to Kuala Lumpur that he started mining and planting on a scale which almost emulated that of the famous Towkay Loke Yew with whom he was at one time associated. He was attorney of Selangor's Capitan China, Yap Kwan Seng. During the War he raised funds to help Britain's cause and sat on the Rice Committee. With Towkay Loke Yew he was instrumental in the foundation of the Kuala Lumpur Chinese Assembly Hall, now the centre of Chinese community life. Mr. Wee was in the first batch of J.P.s nominated in the state. He served on the Kuala Lumpur Sanitary and Licensing Boards and the Selangor Chinese Advisory Board, and was a visiting justice to the Kuala Lumpur hospitals and gaol. He leaves six sons and six daughters, several grandchildren and great grandchildren.” (The Straits Budget, 6 October 1938, Page 13: |"Link With Old Selangor").

“Dated 20th September, 1897. Application from Khoo Ghin Haw for 100 acres of mining land at Sungei Ramal.
Sir,
I have the honour to refer to correspondence numbered 2308/97 and to report that Khoo Seah has withdrawn the application for mining land therein referred to.
2. The same land has since been applied for by one Khoo Ghin Haw who has deposited the necessary survey fees.
3. I recommend that he be granted a block of 50 acres.” - Ag District Officer, Ulu Langat.

(Sumber: PEJABAT SETIAUSAHA KERAJAAN NEGERI SELANGOR, 20/09/1897: |"APPLICATION FROM KHOO GHIN HAW FOR 100 ACRES OF MINING LAND AT SUNGEI RAMAL").

Permohonan lelongan beberapa blok lombong di Sungai Ramal, oleh Pegawai Daerah Ulu Langat pada 3 April 1898:-

“District Office, Ulu Langat. Dated 3rd April 1898.
Subject: Sale of mining land at Sungei Ramal
Sir,
I have the honour to refer to correspondence numbered 4159/97 and to report that the fourteen blocks of mining land at Sungei Ramal, recently surveyed for auction, were disposed of on March 25th at (approximately) upset prices, ten portions falling to the bid of Mr K. Tamboosamy Pillay.
2. I have reason to believe, however, that but for circumstances over which I had no control (viz. the failure of certain parties to attend the sale at the advertised time) there would have been considerable competition for some of the land; in fact, I have since ascertained that no less than $2000- was subsequently offered, and refused, for three portions which fell at the upset price.
3. I now recommend that eleven more mining portions in the same locality be surveyed and offered at auction at as early a date as practicable, and would suggest that the Revenue Surveyor be instructed to put the work in hand without loss of time.
4. On being notifed of the Resident's approval I will forward to the Revenue Surveyor a sketch plan of the blocks to be surveyed, and publish a preliminary notice of sale.” - Ag. District Officer, Ulu Langat.

Pada 7 Jun 1898, hanya 3 daripada 11 blok yang dilelong dapat dijual, dengan harga yang rendah. Selebihnya tidak mendapat sebarang sambutan:-

“Three ? of the eleven blocks were sold yesterday at ? upset price: the remaining blocks found no bidders.
2. Three blocks at Sungei Jelok which was put up to auction at the same time were sold at an average of about $11/- an acre.” -7.6.98

(Sumber: PEJABAT SETIAUSAHA KERAJAAN NEGERI SELANGOR, 03/04/1898: |"SALE OF MINING LAND AT SUNGEI RAMAL - II. RECOMMENDS THE SURVEY OF 11 MORE PORTIONS IN THE SAME LOCALITY FOR AUCTION AT AN EARLY DATE").

“S.G., I visited & inspected the land in question yesterday & am able to concur in the D.O.'s recommendation. Mr. Goh Ah Ngee holds 262 ac of mining land in the Ulu Langat district, on which he employes 1106 coolies. He is deserving of every encouragement. - 6.7.99”

“Appd. HCB 6.7.99”

(Sumber: PEJABAT SETIAUSAHA KERAJAAN NEGERI SELANGOR, 21/06/1899: |"APPLICATION FROM TOWKAY GOH AH NGEE FOR MINING RIGHTS OVER 150 ACRES OF LAND AT SUNGEI RAMAL").

“District Office, Ulu Langat, 27th June 1901.
Sir,
I have the honour to ask the Resident's sanction to the issue of a Mining Certificate to one Chong Kaw Kee in respect of a block of land at Sungei Ramal, Kajang, which has already been partially surveyed, but for which the S.R.S. is unable at present to prepare a lease.
2. The applicant has a number of coolies ready to start work, and is anxious to get on to the land, the area of which is, approximately, 25 acres.
3. The S.R.S. has provided me with a tracing of the survey, from which the Certificate can be prepared.” - District Office, Ulu Langat.

“Appd. -HCB, 29.6.01”

(Sumber: PEJABAT SETIAUSAHA KERAJAAN NEGERI SELANGOR, 27/06/1901: |"SANCTION TO ISSUE A MINING CERTIFICATE IN RESPECT OF LAND AT SUNGEI RAMAL TO CHONG KAW KEE. ASKS:-").

18/12/1902: |"FORFEITURE OF MINING LEASE NO.15 SUNGEI RAMAL".

Pada 6 April 1903, Ten Pak Tiam membuat permohonan perlombongan di Sungai Ramal. Ianya diluluskan pada 10 April 1903. Kandungan surat permohonan:-

“I have the honour to ask the sanction of the Resident to issue a mining certificate to Ten Pak Tiam for 6 acres of mining land at Sungei Ramal, Mukim Kajang.
2. The land was applied for in 1901 but it has only recently been surveyed. The lease will not be ready for some time.
3. The premium has been paid and the man is ready to start work at once.” - Collector of Land Revenue, Ulu Langat.

(Sumber: PEJABAT SETIAUSAHA KERAJAAN NEGERI SELANGOR, 06/04/1903: |"ISSUE OF MINING CERTIFICATE TEN PAK TIAM, SUNGEI RAMAL").

“NOTIFICATION FROM ACTING SECRETARY TO THE RESIDENT PERTAINING TO THE APPROVAL FROM RESIDENT TO PROSPECT A LAND IN KAJANG THAT WAS APPLIED BY MESSRS. ICSAACS AND INFORMATION RELATED TO THE CONDITIONS WHICH INCLUDED THE PERIOD OF TIME, FEE, SELECTION AREA AND PREMIUM RENT.”

Isi kandungan kelulusan: “8 December 1903 - In reply to your letter No. 398 dated 18th Nov ultimo I have the honour to inform you that the Resident approves the issue of a Prospecting License over 150 acres at S. Ramal, Kajang to Messrs Isaacson, Guy, Williamson & Wong Siew Wing on the following terms: - Period 6 months, Fee $25, Selection Area 75 acres, Premium on lease $10 an acre.” - JROA (John Richard Oliver (J.R.O.) Aldworth), Ag Secretary to the Resident, Selangor.

(Sumber: PEJABAT SETIAUSAHA KERAJAAN NEGERI SELANGOR, 18/11/1903: |"APPLICATION FROM MESSRS. ISAACSON AND OTHERS FOR A PROSPECTING LICENSE OVER 500 ACRES OF LAND AT SUNGEI RAMAL, KAJANG MUKIM").

“District Office, Kajang, 13th September 1904: Asks for sanction to alienate 20 acres of mining land at Sungei Ramal to Teh Wee Kim.
Sir,
I have the honour to ask for sanction to alienate 20 acres of mining land at Sungei Ramal (Kajang Mukim) to Teh Wee Kim.
2. There can be no objection to mining the land, which is surrounded by other mining portions.
3. The applicant holds already 21 acres of mining land, on which he employs 388 coolies and one engine. A further application by him for another 21 acres is now under consideration.
4. Premium should be at the rate of $10/ an acre.” - District Officer, Ulu Langat.

(Sumber: PEJABAT SETIAUSAHA KERAJAAN NEGERI SELANGOR, 13/09/1904: |"ASKS FOR SANCTION TO ALIENATE 20 ACRES OF MINING LAND AT SUNGEI RAMAL TO TEH WEE KIM").