Pengkalan Kempas
Pengkalan Kempas is a small town in the Linggi mukim of Port Dickson District, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. Its small population is ethnically mixed, including a large Hakka Chinese component.
Once a significant trade port along the Linggi River, attempts to revitalise the town are based around encouraging tourism. The town is a site for recreational tourism for the fishing of giant freshwater prawns, and the Pengkalan Kempas Historical Complex has been created as a museum for megaliths.
Location
Pengkalan Kempas is located from the main city of Port Dickson and around from the state capital of Seremban, and from Malacca City. It lies on the Linggi River.History
The name "Pengkalan Kempas" translates to "Kempas landing place", and may reflect a period in the past where the Linggi River met the sea further inland compared to its present position. Along with Lukut, Pengkalan Kempas is one of the oldest settlements in the area. While historically important, the town today is much less known.During the 14th century, the town was an important trade port, and an important location for the area's Chinese community.
In a 1901 census, the town was recorded as having a total population of 306 people, consisting of 126 Chinese agricultural workers, 87 Malays, 2 Indians, and 91 others. At this time, it was recorded as one of the two towns of the Coast district of Negeri Sembilan, along with Port Dickson. As of 1919, much of the natural forest in the area had been replaced by rubber plantations, mostly run by ethnic Chinese and Malays.
Administration
Pengkalan Kempas lies within the Linggi mukim of the Port Dickson District.Demographics
The town has historically had a population including Malays, Chinese, and Indians. Some of the Chinese community are Hakka.Economy
The town is a popular spot for giant freshwater prawn fishing, which has been the main source of tourism for more than 35 years. Fishing takes place from the town's jetty, or in rented boats. This is an especially popular activity on weekends, when the town attracts perhaps 1,000 people. Around 100 boats are available for rent. For local fishermen, the catch can sell for up to RM 100 per kilogram, especially near occasions such as Chinese New Year. There are some concerns around poisoning affecting prawn populations, which may be due to activities upstream.The government of Negeri Sembilan is promoting the town as a tourist destination, based on historical sites such as the Pengkalan Kempas Historical Complex, and wildlife such as crocodiles and fireflies. The town is a potential stop for river cruises, however the current jetty is poorly maintained and is unable to accommodate this demand. Construction of a new jetty was slated to begin in December 2024. This will cost around RM 50,000. The jetty revitalisation is part of a wider effort to enhance the town as a tourist destination. Old buildings within the town have been repainted towards this aim.