Perkembangan Sistem Telegraf di Perak, 1876-1900 (The Development of Telegraph System in Perak, 1876-1900)

Abstract

This article discusses the development of telegraph system in Perak from 1876 until 1900. The colonial interest in Perak has prompted the British to develop a communication system in the state. The British Resident administration has brought in the telegraph technology by developing the first network beginning in 1876, which involving a communication between the Resident's office in Kuala Kangsar and Assistant Resident's office in Taiping. Since then, the construction of the telegraph network has been developed in stages according British necessities policy. Therefore, the objective of this article is to examines the British approach in developing a network of telegraph systems in Perak until 1900. This research used a qualitative methods, which is based on library resources by focusing on the Perak Government Gazette as the primary source. The result of this research found that the administrative and economic aspects moved in unison which encouraging the British approach in develop a good communication system. However, economic needs are more important aspects which shaped the development of the telegraph network in Perak. The British were actively developing the telegraph network in areas that are been focus of the economy especially which has tin mining activities and port.