SEREMBAN: Three hundred new megalithic sites have been discovered around Lembah Terachi in the Kuala Pilah district, and they are set to become the state’s latest tourist attraction.
Negri Sembilan Museum Board director Drs Shamsuddin Ahmad said joint research conducted by the state’s museum and the Institutes of Nature and Malay Civilisation of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) discovered the megalithic sites on Tanah Adat (ancestral land) that is closely related to the Adat Perpatih customary laws and practice which is unique to the state.
“From the research conducted so far, we established that these megalith stones and sites are only found on Tanah Adat land in the state.
“We didn’t find the megalith stones in any other locations except on Tanah Adat. This is a strong indication of the connection of the megaliths with the life of the Adat Perpatih community in ancient times,” he said at the museum here, today.
He said the megalithic stones were linked to folk tales and beliefs related to the Adat Perpatih community which were passed on orally.
“It is said the megalith is considered to be a symbol of fertility in Adat Perpatih.
“Besides being found on Tanah Adat, such sites are also found near rivers and paddy fields and this clearly shows its relevance as a symbol of fertility for the Adat Perpatih community in those days,” he said.
Drs Shamsuddin said the state government had provided RM100,000 for the mapping of the megalithic sites, which began in April and will be completed in November.
“Some people say the megalith stone is supposedly alive and growing because of certain beliefs.
“Others think that weather and the condition of the soil contribute to the growth of the stone.
“However, the study will continue covering all aspects,” he said.
He said the full report of the study would be shared with the public to increase their knowledge of megalithic stones and their connection to Adat Perpatih.
“We certainly hope this will be another tourism product that can be offered to local and foreign visitors,” he said.