WHEN I WATCHED Upin & Ipin: Keris Siamang Tunggal at the cinema, I was pleasantly surprised by the inclusion of Nakhoda Ragam, a legendary figure in Penang folklore. Les’ Copaque Production, the creators of this beloved animated series, subtly introduced him as a “historical” figure, sparking my curiosity. Who exactly was Nakhoda Ragam? My knowledge of him was limited, but the film piqued my interest. The movie, while entertaining, had planted a seed of intrigue, prompting me to delve deeper into Malay myths to uncover the fascinating stories that shaped the nation.

Nakhoda Ragam, a name synonymous with maritime prowess and legendary seafaring in the Malay world, is said to be a skilled navigator and a renowned musician, earning him the affectionate epithet “Singing Captain”. According to legend, his melodious voice could charm the very winds and waves. Nakhoda Ragam also commanded immense respect within the Sultanate of Brunei, where he is believed to have reigned as Sultan Bolkiah from 1458 to 1524.

Penang has long held a significant position as a key trading hub within the Malay Archipelago, a role it had played since the dawn of Malay history. As I dug into my curiosity, I discovered a fascinating connection to the legendary figure of Nakhoda Ragam. I began to see that stories of his voyages had a profound impact on Penang’s Malay society, shaping its cultural and commercial landscape.

Stumbling Upon Paradise Island: A Kedah Voyage

A seasoned voyager of the seas, Nakhoda Ragam is said to have embarked on numerous maritime expeditions, regularly traversing the waters between the Lingga Islands and the Kedah coast. During one such voyage, his keen eyes and astute navigational skills led him to an island of captivating beauty. Enchanted by its allure, he bestowed upon it the name “Pulo Ka Satu”. This Pulo Ka Satu was in reference to Pulau Pinang or Penang (see Cover Story for why this is thought to be unlikely). The island’s strategic location, with its natural harbours and abundant resources, deeply impressed Nakhoda Ragam, who recognised its immense potential for trade and settlement.

Beyond his fabled discovery of Penang, Nakhoda Ragam’s maritime endeavours extended to the establishment of several other significant locations within the region. Legend has it that he also landed at “Pulo Kindi” (Pulau Kendi), “Bayan Lepas”, “Gerattah Sangkol” (Gertak Sanggul), “Pulo Bittong” (Pulau Betong) and “Puchut Muka” (Muka Head), each of which has played a vital role in the historical and geographical landscape of the region.

One of the stories includes the captivating tale of the origin of Bayan Lepas. The narrative recounts a poignant incident during one of Nakhoda Ragam’s voyages. While his vessel lay peacefully anchored at the mouth of the Sungei Permatang Damar Laut, his pet parakeet, known affectionately as burung bayan in the Malay tongue, escaped from its cage. The vibrant creature took flight and soared towards a nearby village. This seemingly minor incident, however, would be told over and over again. The area where the parakeet found its liberty was subsequently named Bayan Lepas, a name that means “where the parakeet escaped”.

Beyond Bayan Lepas, Nakhoda Ragam’s maritime adventures also reached as far south as Pulau Betong, an island nestled off Balik Pulau. This intrepid seafarer, with an eye for detail and a penchant for nomenclature, is credited with bestowing names upon numerous locations across the island.

The Possibility of the Bruneian Sultanate Influence In Penang

Oral tradition suggests that the Bruneian ties with Penang may have originated from Haji Mohammad Salleh, also known as Haji Brunei, a pilgrim returning from Mecca who was stranded at Kuala Perai in 1786. Over the following three centuries, the arrival of successive waves of Bruneian perantaus (migrants) gradually integrated into the island’s social fabric.[1]

This likely contributed to the dissemination and evolution of the Nakhoda Ragam legend. As Bruneians settled and integrated into Penang society, they would have brought with them their own oral traditions and cultural narratives.[2] These stories, potentially including variations of the Nakhoda Ragam legend, may have intermingled with existing Penangite folklore, enriching the legend and contributing to its enduring popularity. The presence of a shared cultural heritage, rooted in Brunei, may have fostered a sense of connection and resonance with the figure of Nakhoda Ragam.

A significant milestone in the enduring Brunei-Penang connection occurred in 1955 with the state visit of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III (1950–1967) to Penang. This royal visit held profound significance, as the Sultan was said to have sought to pay homage to the historical maritime voyages undertaken by his ancestors between the two regions. As a gesture of goodwill, the Sultan presented gifts to the Penang Al-Mashoor Islamic School, which in turn expressed their gratitude by offering a Holy Quran to the Sultan.[3]

The legend of Nakhoda Ragam, a charismatic seafarer, remains shrouded in mystery. The alleged link between Nakhoda Ragam and the renowned Sultan Bolkiah of Brunei adds an intriguing layer to the tale.

Footnotes

1. https://eprints.usm.my/37653/1/OrangBruneidiPulauPinang1820an keluargaPengeranShahabuddin.pdf

2. https://www.melakahariini.my/the-brunei-connection-genealogiesand-perantaus-in-pulau-pinang/

3. https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/