The cannons of Kampung Sungai Pinang

Do you know that there exist are a pair of very old cannons in Kampung Sungai Pinang? Kampung Sungai Pinang is situated about 30 km from Kota Bharu, Kelantan. Located near the Kelantan river, this place holds many historic happenings but mostly unknown to the general public of today.

These cannons were originally placed by the river. They were used way back when Kelantan was still under the Siam government. Their main purpose was to act as an early signal to inform the palace officials in Kota Bharu whenever dignitaries from the Siam government came to visit them.

A closer look at these cannons revealed its 'birth' date. They were made in 1770 and it was believed that these cannons came from a Dutch ship. However, no records are available to determine the actual history of these cannons.

According to my late great-great grandfather, who related the stories about these cannons to my father when he was young, Kampung Sungai Pinang played a big role in the government of Kelantan at that time. The first custom building was built not far from this kampung by the Siam government. The existence of Custom building at that time means that the place was considered economically important to the government.

Visits by the Siam's government officials were also frequent at that time. Therefore, the cannons were the only means to inform the palace officials in Kota Bharu of their arrival. This gave some time for the palace officials to prepare to welcome the visitors.

The cannons were effectively retired after the Bangkok Treaty (Perjanjian Bangkok) in 1909 which resulted in Kelantan being placed under the British administration.

The cannons were then relocated to the compound of Masjid Kampung Sungai Pinang due to the constant erosions of the river banks caused by the frequent flooding in the area.

Today, you can still see these cannons in the compound of Masjid Kampung Sungai Pinang. These cannons are a part of the rich history in our country. So, if you happen to go to Kampung Sungai Pinang, visit these cannons and remember the story of the Cannons of Kampung Sungai Pinang.