Universiti Kuala Lumpur Royal College of Medicine Perak (UniKL RCMP) has led a scientific heritage expedition aimed at turning Selama’s natural, historical, and community assets into evidence to guide the district’s future development.
Through the Pusat Kajian Warisan dan Sejarah Perak, UniKL RCMP coordinated the Ekspedisi Kajian Saintifik Warisan Selama from 17 to 19 August 2026, following its appointment by the Larut, Matang and Selama District and Land Office.
More than a field study, the three-day expedition sought to develop an authoritative scientific database to support future planning, heritage conservation, and sustainable socioeconomic development in Selama.
The initiative demonstrates UniKL’s growing contribution to research impact, sustainability, community engagement and knowledge exchange, while connecting academic expertise with the development priorities of local communities and government agencies.
The expedition involved four UniKL RCMP senior lecturers as the research team, supported by four secretariat members and 32 participants from various government agencies, local authorities and the community.
They included representatives from the Larut, Matang and Selama District and Land Office, Selama District Council, Malaysian Civil Defence Force, Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN), Forestry Department, district health services, local village heads, Village Development and Security Committees (JPKK), as well as UniKL RCMP students.
The expedition began on 17 August 2026 with an opening ceremony officiated by Larut, Matang and Selama District Officer Tuan Mohd Nasrul bin Menhat.
Researchers then began field observations in the Sungai Bayor area before continuing to Mukim Hulu Ijok, including Kampung Sungai Teras and Kampung Masjid.
On the second day, the interdisciplinary research team extended its environmental and heritage assessment to the Lata Rambong area, gathering field information that could help build a clearer understanding of Selama’s environmental characteristics, heritage value and development potential.
The combination of academic expertise and local knowledge was an important element of the expedition, allowing researchers to examine the area within its wider social, environmental and economic context.
The programme concluded on 19 August 2026 at Selama Inn, where preliminary findings were presented to key stakeholders.
The closing ceremony was presided over by Larut, Matang and Selama Chief Assistant District Officer Tuan Mustoffa Aliman.
The expedition is expected to produce a structured field observation database and a comprehensive Research Findings Document. The findings will provide local authorities with evidence that can be considered when planning initiatives involving heritage preservation, environmental management and sustainable economic development.
Importantly, the research supports the broader aspirations of Perak Sejahtera 2030 by helping decision-makers balance development opportunities with the protection of local heritage and environmental resources.
The expedition is particularly aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, through the protection and documentation of cultural and natural heritage; SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, through efforts to support sustainable local economic opportunities; and SDG 15: Life on Land, through environmental observation and conservation.
