THE commentary by K.P. Waran raises a valid point on the name of Batang Berjuntai (”What was wrong with my hometown’s old name? - NST, Jan 7).

If we keep on changing place names according to our whims and fancies, we will, in fact, soon be eliminating the bits and pieces of history attached to these places, towns, etc.

After a generation or two, this history will be wiped out from the community’s memory.

The names of places such as Batang Berjuntai are not names plucked out of the air.

There is always a history, folklore or myth behind them.

For instance, the name Muar came about as this town is situated at the estuary of Muar River, which is ‘muara’ in Malay.

Although the town was originally known as Bandar Maharani, the name “Muar” became accepted as time passed.

I remember there was a town called Binatang in Sarawak, but now it has been renamed Bintangor. We have lost whatever history there was behind the naming of the town as “Binatang”.

Similarly, there is a history behind the names of towns such as Anak Bukit, Parit Jawa, Ramuan Cina Besar, Tanjung Kling, Sungai Lembing, Pokok Sena, Tanjung Karang and the like.

I wonder if someone could initiate or write a book on the names of places in Malaysia.

This will be an excellent way to preserve the history of the names of places in our country.

DR S. NATHESAN, Muar

Source: NST – January 14, 2008