MY TRAVEL: LUBOK CHINA (MELAKA & N.S) - MY HOMETOWN

Lubok China is located in the Alor Gajah district of Melaka, bordering Negeri Sembilan. There are also several areas named Lubok China within Negeri Sembilan. The Sungai Rembau River, which runs through the region, is a common and easily recognisable landmark that separates the two states.

Lubok China is the hometown of both my parents. My late mother is from Lubok, China, in Melaka, while my father is from Lubok, China, in Negeri Sembilan.

Me and grandmother

According to the stories passed down by the elders, the name Lubok China originated from a Lubuk (a deep pool in the river) where several Chinese sailors were said to have drowned after their ship anchored in the area. Historically, Lubok, China, was believed to have been a relatively busy port.

For fishing enthusiasts, Lubok China is a paradise, particularly for those who enjoy catching 'Udang Galah' (giant freshwater prawns) and various species of freshwater fish. 

LUBOK CHINA, MELAKA

Lubok China Melaka is where my late mother's hometown is located in Kg. Sungai Siput.

LUBOK CHINA, NEGERI SEMBILAN

Lubok China, Negeri Sembilan, is where my late father's village is located, namely Kampong Nerambai. It is also connected to my wife's family, as her hometown is Kg. Semin, Lubok, China, Negeri Sembilan.

My wife's grandparents' house in Kg. Semin, Lubok, China, N. Sembilan

This is the house of my late uncle, Othman bin Sudin.


This is the house of my late aunty, Putih Bt Sudin, who was my father's younger sister.

THE HISTORICAL CANNONS OF KAMPUNG NERAMBAI

One of the most interesting historical legacies associated with my ancestral village, Kampung Nerambai, Lubok China, Negeri Sembilan, is a collection of four old cannons believed to have belonged to Dato' Shahbandar Haji Mat Seth.

These cannons attracted the attention of the Negeri Sembilan State Museum (Lembaga Muzium Negeri Sembilan), which conducted historical research at Kampung Nerambai on 17 March 2016.

According to a report published by Sinar Harian on 7 April 2016, the cannons were believed to be more than 500 years old. The collection consists of four pieces, including larger cannons and smaller weapons known as lela lantaka.

According to family accounts reported in the newspaper, Dato' Shahbandar Haji Mat Seth was a merchant who originated from Indonesia and was married to Nenek Raja. Local historical accounts also suggest that he moved to this area when Melaka was attacked by the Portuguese, possibly bringing the cannons with him.

The museum's research, conducted by Mohd Nazim Abd Gaman, Assistant Curator of the Monuments and Historic Sites Unit, identified the cannon under investigation as a British-type cannon.

The museum also explained that historical cannons served various purposes, including defence, warfare, communication and signalling. Traditional Malay weapons such as lela lantaka were also associated with the nobility and symbolised authority, wealth and royal status.

The cannons were located on land belonging to the late Puan Jaharah binti Sudin, mother of Puan Rosyatimah binti Shamsuddin, who was interviewed during the museum's research.

This historical collection is an important part of the heritage of Kampung Nerambai and deserves proper preservation and recognition.

For me, these cannons represent more than just old weapons. They are reminders of the history, traditions and ancestral connections of our village.

Historical references:

• Sinar Harian, 7 April 2016 – Pulihara Meriam Usia 500 Tahun.
• Lembaga Muzium Negeri Sembilan – Meriam Dato' Shahbandar Haji Mat Seth, research dated 17 March 2016.
• Jabatan Muzium Malaysia – Konservasi Artifak Meriam Sejarah.

OTHERS RELATED:

1. 2014 - Lubok China & Masjid Tanah
2. 2019 - PERJALANAN KE MELAKA
3. 2019 - RAWANG KE MELAKA
4. 2023 - LUBOK CHINA, MELAKA
5. 2024 - SLEEPY LUBOK CHINA
6. 2024 - KG.SEMIN, LUBOK CHINA
7. 2024 - JALAN MUNSHI ABDULLAH
8. 2024 - SENDAYAN & LUBOK CHINA
9. 2024 - FAMILY REUNION TOK SUDIN
10. Waghih Blogspot: Meriam Dato' Shahbandar Haji Mat Seth. 
11. https://drive.google.com/file/d/19QQJruD8SzhS1W6IwLiIiyEZrpUYV-ia/view?usp=sharing
12. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NWAI6025JXbc2uUSw00UQr9K2PKfGSv8/view?usp=sharing

Hj Zulheimy Bin Maamor

Lembah Keramat, K.L.

3/11/2026: 11:03 p.m.