How the states of Malaysia got their names?

Today we will talk about Malaysia. What do you know about this marvellous country? The majority of people know that this state is located in the Southeast Asia. But do you know that it is a very cultural diverse area? Many generations of Chinese and Indian traders called this country home. This diverse country is made of 13 statesand every one of them has a unique name. You may wonder how the states got their names. Here is everything you need to know. 

1. Johor

This name derives from the Arabic word juahar that means precious jewel. The history states that in the past this territory was inhabited by Arab traders. Also, there are records that state that Johor was called Gangganu in the old times, which means treasured stones. 

2. Kedah

In the past this state was called Gedda and it is associated with the Hindustani word khaddar. It means land suitable for paddy cultivation. The name of this state was influenced by Persian, Arabic, Chinese and Sanskrit people. 

3. Kelantan

There are sources that say that the name of this state comes from a plant called gelam hutan. Also, there are records that state that a prince was sent to rule a land that was shiny and the territory was later called Kilatan. 

4. Malacca

There are writings that state that the name was given by a prince after a tree under which he rested. Also there is believed that the name comes from the Arabic words mulaqah and malakat, which mean meeting. 

5. Negeri Sambilan

The name of this state was established in the 15thcentury. At the time on this region there was a confederacy of nine districts. 

6. Pahang

The name of this state was given by people from Europe and Arab. They used to call it under different names, Pang-Heng, Pang-Hang, Pang-Kang. It is considered that Pahang comes from a Khmet word which means tin. 

7. Perak

Perak means silver in Malay, and it is considered that the name was given because here were some of the richest tin deposits in the world. There is also believed that the state got its name from Bendahara Tun Perak. 

8. Perlis

The name of this state is a mystery, if you want to find more about it, then you should get your Malaysia visa Bangaloreand try to find out more about it. 

9. Penang

In the past the island was called Pulau Ka Satu, which means only island. In time the state got the name Pokok Pinang, which means betel but palms, from the arbust that grow here. 

10. Sabah

It is believed that the name of this state comes from saba, a type of banana. This type of banana is widely found on the coast of the territory. 

11. Sarawak

Records say that the state was named after Sungai Sarawak. It is considered that in the area there was a rock called serewa. 

12. Selangor

The word itself has no meaning in Malay. The name is considered to be an abbreviation. Certain sources consider that it is the combination of salang and jemur, which mean stabbing and dry in the sun.

13. Terangganu

No one knows exactly where this name comes from. There is a story that states that some hunters found a fang lying on the ground and they called it taring anu, which meand the fang of something.