Transforming the Development Frontier: Chinese Pioneers in the Ulu Langat District of Selangor, Malaysia

Authors

Phin Keong VOON, New Era College, MalaysiaFollow

Abstract

The Ulu Langat district of Selangor witnessed the beginning of modern development in the late nineteenth century. This was one of numerous localities in the country that was responding to demands for commodities from overseas market. It was this transformation of place that made up the totality of the country's development process. Contributing to this process were Malays and communities of Indonesian, Chinese and Indian immigrants, Europeans, and commercial enterprises.
Understanding the process of development of a place requires attention to the past and local situations. This study will focus on the role of Chinese pioneers and settlers in changing the face of Ulu Langat during the era of British rule. The Chinese were engaged in the opening of tin mines, the spontaneous agricultural pioneering especially of rubber, and in the establishment of settlements. The development process is in effect a chronicle of the transformation of virgin forests into a cultural and economic landscape. The Ulu Langat experience reveals insights to a distinctive model of development contributed characteristically by the Chinese during the colonial era.

Recommended Citation

VOON, Phin Keong (2013) "Transforming the Development Frontier: Chinese Pioneers in the Ulu Langat District of Selangor, Malaysia," Malaysian Journal of Chinese Studies: Vol. 2: No. 2, Article 4.
Available at: https://mjcs.newera.edu.my/journal/vol2/iss2/4