Teluk Intan

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Teluk Intan is a town in Perak, Malaysia, and the capital of Hilir Perak district. It’s the largest town in the district and one of the bigger towns in the state, with about a quarter of a million people in the area.

Geography
- Teluk Intan sits on the Perak River. The river forms an oxbow meander, and the town grew around it.
- In the past, high tides could flood parts of the town, but flood controls have reduced many floods.
- There’s a possibility that the river could erode the land neck between the bends, which could turn the town into an island.

History
- The area was originally known as Teluk Mak Intan, named after a Mandailing trader.
- During British rule it was called Teluk Anson (Anson Bay), named for Major-General Sir Archibald Anson, who planned the town in 1882.
- In 1982 the name was changed to Teluk Intan (Diamond Bay). The Leaning Tower of Teluk Intan is a famous landmark.
- Teluk Intan developed as a port for tin, rubber, and later as a Shell petroleum distribution center. As the Perak River silted up, the port declined and industries faded.
- The town faced economic challenges in the late 20th century, but new development, including a coastal highway opened in 1999, helped revive activity.
- Teluk Intan became a municipality (Majlis Perbandaran Perak) in 2004.
- On May 13, 2025, a major road crash near Teluk Intan killed nine Federal Reserve Unit officers and injured others.

Economy
- The main current economic activities are oil palm cultivation and palm oil production.
- Other industries include shipbuilding and textiles.
- The town has shopping centers, a modern cinema, and growing tourism.

Places of interest
- Leaning Tower of Teluk Intan: a former water tower built in 1885 that tilts due to an underground stream; it used to have a clock and guided ships into the port. It’s now a heritage site and tourist spot.
- Batu Tenggek (War Memorial): a large boulder with a memorial for World War I and II.
- The Ruin of Raja Muda’s Palace: former residence of Perak’s crown prince; now in ruins.
- Hock Soon Temple: a historic temple that was a center for the Hoklo Chinese in the town.
- Sri Subramaniam Temple: a Tamil temple known as Perak Thendayuthapani Temple.
- Local mosques and other historic sites add to Teluk Intan’s cultural mix.
- Local food spots include Glutton Square and a popular laksa vendor known as Uncle Laksa.

Education
- UiTM Teluk Intan Campus (Medicine) and UKM Teluk Intan Campus (Medicine) are located beside Teluk Intan Hospital.
- Teluk Intan Community College provides additional higher education.
- The town has more than 100 primary schools and over 20 secondary schools.

Local delicacies
- Teluk Intan is known for mee rebus Mastan Ghani, Mee Jawa, nasi kandar, satay, and rojak.
- Ais Bandung (rose syrup with coconut milk) is a popular drink.
- Heong Peah (fragrant biscuits) and Chee Cheong Fun are famous local snacks.
- Glutton Square and the Bumbung Biru food court are popular eating spots.
- A long-running treat is Uncle Laksa, who sells laksa from a bicycle around town.

Notable residents
- Lee Meng, a Communist guerrilla leader
- Antony Selvanayagam, bishop
- Jamal Abdillah, singer and actor
- Joe Flizzow, hip-hop artist
- Tan Eng Huat, comics artist
- Mah Siew Keong, former MP and minister
- Mohammed Hanif Omar, former police chief
- Weeratunge Edward Perera, educator and social entrepreneur
- Loke Yuen Yow, politician
- Azizul Hakim, photographer and entrepreneur

Teluk Intan today blends historic landmarks with modern developments, growing again as a hub for residents and visitors in Hilir Perak.