Slim River

Slim River is a small town in Perak, Malaysia. It is about 100 km (driving time 45 minutes) from Kuala Lumpur. It is situated in the southern part of Perak and is 20 km north of Tanjung Malim. It is about 100km (driving time 1hour) from Ipoh. Slim River is the second biggest town in Tanjung Malim district. The town is surrounded by many small villages.

History

The town is named after a nearby river, Sungai Slim. The word Sungai means river in Malay.

Slim River was a military strategic mid-point from North to South of Malaya during World War II. It was the site of a major battle during World War II between the Japanese and British forces which consisted of troops from India, Australia and Great Britain. The British lost the Battle of Slim River to the Japanese forces, who were equipped with tanks. The Japanese also had total air superiority. In their defeat at Slim River, the British suffered heavy casualties and many units were cut off from their line of retreat. The battle effectively ended British hopes of defending Malaya.

Economy

The main economic activities are agriculture-based, such as palm oil and rubber plantations. There are some automotive shops selling engine parts and components. This is due to the proximity of the new car manufacturing town, Proton City in Tanjung Malim.

Demographics

The population is estimated at 100,000, and comprises Malays, Chinese and Indians.

Transportation

It is accessible by road from the capital city, Kuala Lumpur (100 km) or by train. The main trunk road to Tanjung Malim was the first ever toll road in Malaysia and was eventually given free access to the public in the middle of the 1980s.

Before the construction of North-South Expressway, all traffic going to destinations in the northern states of Peninsular Malaysia, such as Ipoh, Cameron Highlands and Penang will pass through the town of Slim River. With the new North-South Expressway bypassing smaller towns, fewer people, traffic, and tourists pass through Slim River. Currently, the economy of Slim River is improving due to the nearby Proton City, located in Tanjung Malim.

Places of interest

The waterfall at [http://sgbil.tripod.com Sungai Bil] is famous among the locals for a weekend getaway. There are some nice spots along the waterfall for family recreation and camping. One can travel from the town by road within 30 minutes. Food stalls selling lunch and fast food are available normally during weekend. However, the water could be murky during the dry spell. Entrance fee is RM1.00 for car and RM0.50 for motorcycle. There is also a camping site.

There is also an open wet market every Sunday morning until noon, where one can try a variety of local dishes and delicacies.

At Ulu Slim, about the same distance from Slim River to [http://sgbil.tripod.com Sungai Bil] , there is a hot spring, and it is expected that the local government will develop the place, into a recreation area, for families. The water is 104C and is reputed to be the 5th hottest hot spring in the world.

Water Theme Park

The new Slim River Water Theme Park will be opening soon...

*SR Lagoon (Under Construction)

Public Amenities

There is a new modern government hospital providing basic medical care for the district. In addition, there is a public library for the locals to visit.

chools

Primary and secondary education are provided by a few schools in Slim River, namely:
*Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Dato' Zulkifli Muhammad"'

*Sekolah Menengah Slim River"'

*Sekolah Kebangsaan Kuala Slim"'

*Sekolah Menengah Teknik Slim River"'

*Sekolah Rendah Kebangsaan Slim River"'

*Sekolah Rendah Aminuddin Baki"'

*Sekolah Rendah Jenis Kebangsaan (C) Chin Hua"'

*Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama Kelan(Slim River)"'

References

* [http://sgbil.tripod.com: Lata Sungai Bil]
* [http://www.far-eastern-heroes.org.uk/2nd_Lt_Robert_Hartley/html/slim_river.htm Far-Eastern-Heroes: Slim River]