In a surprising turn of events, the receding water levels at Pedu Lake in Kedah, Malaysia, have revealed a century-old cemetery that has been submerged for decades. This unexpected discovery has brought together hundreds of villagers, many of whom are descendants of those buried there, in a poignant gathering to honor their ancestors.
A Forgotten Cemetery Resurfaces
Pedu Lake, located in Kuala Nerang, is a well-known reservoir that plays a crucial role in the region’s water supply. However, the lake’s water levels have dropped significantly in recent months, exposing a cemetery believed to be over 100 years old in Kampung Mong Gajah. This cemetery, which had been hidden underwater since the 1960s due to the construction of the Pedu Dam, is now visible for the first time in years.
This is not the first time the graves have reemerged; a similar event occurred in 2020 when the water levels dropped. But for many, this recent exposure has provided a unique opportunity to reconnect with their heritage.
A Community Comes Together
Approximately 300 villagers, including relatives of those buried in the cemetery, have visited the site since its emergence earlier this month. The community has come together to perform tahlil prayers, a traditional Muslim ritual to honor the deceased. For many, this has been a deeply emotional experience, offering a rare chance to pay respects to their ancestors who have long been interred in the submerged cemetery.
Ismail Md Daud, a 62-year-old villager, shared that his late grandfather is among those buried in the cemetery. He and others who have strong ties to the area have found solace in this unexpected opportunity to reconnect with their past.
A Glimpse into the Past
The Pedu Dam project, completed in the 1960s, led to the submersion of around 15 villages, including Kampung Mong Gajah. The cemetery, which was not relocated during the construction, remained underwater until now. Religious authorities at the time deemed it unnecessary to move the graves due to their age, leaving them to rest beneath the lake’s waters.
The reemergence of the cemetery has not only drawn local residents but also those who have moved away, underscoring the strong ties many still have to their ancestral lands. The event has also attracted the attention of local leaders, including Padang Terap Member of Parliament Nurul Amin Hamid, who attended the gatherings and joined in the prayers.
A Reminder of Nature’s Power
The receding water levels at Pedu Lake serve as a reminder of the delicate balance between nature and human development. While the state of Kedah is not currently facing an immediate water crisis, the situation has raised concerns among locals. The Muda Agricultural Development Authority (MADA) has reported that water levels at Pedu Dam are currently at around 33.2% to 34.56%, with similar trends observed at other dams in the region.
As the community gathers to honor their past, the exposed cemetery stands as a poignant symbol of history resurfacing, quite literally, from the depths. For those who have visited the site, it is a powerful reminder of their roots and the enduring connection between past and present.