Moving the Forest Frontier in Peninsula Malaysia

Abstract

At the end of the nineteenth century almost the entire area of Peninsula Malaysia was forested.At that time the population of Peninsula Malaysiawas relatively small. However, with thediscovery of tin in 1850 led to the creation of new wealth and riches and this phenomenon notonlyattracted Chinese miners to work in tin mines but also triggered intense rivalry amongstSultans, local chiefs and warring parties. At theheight of the crisis the confronting parties seekthe help from outside powers. Many local rulers and sultans seek the help of the British toresolve their problems. These situations have brought about the British intervention in states ofPeninsula Malaysia. This paper will explore the factors contributing to the expansion of mining,agriculture, new settlement and township. The main driving factors were economic and wealthcreation, global market demand and growing population. The paper will also illustrate thedirection of retreating forest areas over the years.