MARITIME MUSEUM PHASE I (Flor de La Mar)
BRITISH ADMINISTRATION IN MELAKA
The British rule Malacca in 1795 as the result of the Napolean War in Europe. Captain William Farquhar was appointed the Governor of the British army. In 1807 the Melaka Fort was demolished. The British intended to abandon Melaka completely and transfer its people to Penang. Until 1824 the British showed no real interest in introducing administrative changes in Melaka. They were concerned of their trade with China. Asia temporary measure, the Dutch officers in the Cauncil of Justice retained and policy duties to maintain public order. From Melaka, the British attacked the Dutch at Java in 1811. The Anglo Dutch Freaty of 1824 placed Melaka under the British influence. Later, Melaka was incorporated with Penang and Singapore under the administrative of the Straits Settlements in 1826. The British civil administrative was promulgated in Melaka. The charter of Justice was introduced resulting in implementation of the British judiciary and legal system in Melaka.
Prisoners provided cheap labour for the public amenities. In 1867, Melaka had a very efficient bullock cart transportation network. From the Straits Settlements, British’s interest were extended to the Malay States. The British introduced land reform, carried out land surbeys and encourage agriculture. They were involved in the Naning War between 1831-1832. The war taxed heavily on the British and demonstrated the reaction of the natives towards the British.
The population of Melaka numbered 55,000 in 1846 consisting of various ethnic groups. The British administration was financially strained. In 1867 the Straits Settlements became the British Crown Colony. The administration was transferred to the Colonial office in London. During the early 20th century, the Melaka population totaled 95,000. Majority of whom were Malays. Melaka was among the earliest state to receive the British education system in Malaya.
THE PORT OF MELAKA IN 1843
This printing, reprocuction of a painting painted by Charles A Dyee. In 1843, shows the inactivity around the Malacca Harbour area. Few Sumaterans and local boats were moving around the estuary. Not even a British naval or merchant ship was seen anchored at Malacca.
THE BRITISH BATTLE SHIP
During the 15th century, larger and bandier sailing ships, the invention of gunpowder and navigational instruments came into effect. The wooden fighting ships became larger, heavily armed and equipped with as many as 120 guns. Ranking of professional naval officers was created. The 16th century witnessed the emergence of the large “Carrack” followed by the Galeon carrying some 300 mariners. 120 gunners and 100 men at arms. Guns, buss or bronze commons were placed on boardships in the forecastle and sterncastle or mounted along the ship sides. By the 17th century all English warship were riggered with square topsails on the mizzen with 3 or4 masts.
They were well armed and carried more than 20 guns. The East Indiamen though provide good service, were not very swift. The frigate, designed for scouting, escort duty and commerce raiding was lighter and speedier.
MELAKA ECONOMICS UNDER THE BRITISH
During the 15th century, larger and bandier sailing ships, the invention of gunpowder and navigational instruments came into effect. The wooden fighting ships became larger, heavily armed and equipped with as many as 120 guns. Ranking of professional naval officers was created. The 16th century witnessed the emergence of the large “Carrack” followed by the Galeon carrying some 300 mariners. 120 gunners and 100 men at arms. Guns, buss or bronze commons were placed on boardships in the forecastle and sterncastle or mounted along the ship sides. By the Throughout the 19th century, Penang and Melaka were the centers for the collection and distribution of trading commodities in Malaya. Melaka had also channeled import and export activities for Negeri Sembilan. In addition to assisting the development of economic activities in Pahang and Selangor. Singapore’s status as a leading port bindored Melaka’s trading capabilities. The trade in Melaka decreased more than 80 % in 1823 compared to 1815, while state revenues since 1831-1834 recorded deficit amounting to 891200 Sirca Rupees. In 1867 Melaka’s role as a trading harbour declined significantly. Around the 1880’s, roughly 30 British officers served in Melaka. The decline of trade in Melaka was compensated by agriculture. Between 1828 to 1856, for instance land cultivation increased 5 times and the dependence on imported rice decreased. Crops such as black pepper and gambier were planted throughout the 1880’s. Rubber plantation was also introduced and since 1904, Melaa begin to export those commodities. Melaka’s revenue were also obtained through tax farming, land crop titles, quitrents, income from postal services and fines imposed by the police and courts.
In addition, fisheries, coconut plantation, tin mining and other activities contributed to the atates economic sector. Melaka exported livestock to Singapore rattan to Penang besides fruits, timber, gold dust, fish and others.
MELAKA A WEARY PORT AND CITY
The golden ages of the Malay Melaka Sultanate in trade disappeard overnight. Since 1511, Melaka witnessed series of conquest. The Portuguese, Dutch and British were unable to restore its glory in international trade. To them, Melaka served to fulfill their ambitions and interests through the control of trade and shipping by force. Monopolistics policies imposed triggered disputes, disunity and retaliation from the natives and its neighbours. Such was Melaka in the 19th and 20th centuries, under the British, without its maginificence. Melaka dwindled into a delapicated city and port, overshadowed by developments of Penang and Singapore. Sand and mud silted the estuary. Few smaller prahus and lugboats entered the harnour. Melaka was no longer the famous trade emporium, but merely a British colony which was financially burdensome.
Its imports were mainly for the sustenance of its reduced population. Some of the Melakans migrated to other places to seek employment and good fortune. Melaka’s export were limited. Her fertile land and vest binterland compared to either Penang or Singapore fell short of transforming Melaka into a successful agriculture centre. Melaka consistently recorded deficit in budget. Such was Melaka, a port and city frequented by sailors and travelers who witnessed its appalling condition under the British.
