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The Grand House of Raja Bilah: A timeless heritage icon of Papan

By Zaki Salleh

BATU GAJAH: Much has been written about the over 100-year-old Raja Bilah Palace, an historical icon in Papan, Pusing.

This striking white building is not actually a palace, but a grand house owned by the community leader of that time, Raja Bilah, which is why the locals refer to it as a palace.

The large house was considered a very luxurious residence for a prominent leader.

Located behind the small town of Papan, this house was built by Raja Bilah, who served as the head of the Belanja sub-district from 1882 to 1909.

There are always visitors coming here to see Raja Bilah’s grand house and admire its historical significance, even though it is not open to the public.

Therefore, as an initiative, a signboard with brief information about the Grand House of Raja Bilah has been installed by the Perak Heritage Society (PHS).

The event was officiated by Raja Bilah’s great-grandchildren and the Chairman of PHS, Mohd Tajuddin Mohd Tahir.

The installation of this signboard helps visitors and guests to understand briefly the history of the Grand House of Raja Bilah and the surrounding area.

According to the Secretary of the Perak Heritage Society, Nor Hisham Zulkiflee, on February 1, 1909, history was made at the Grand House of Raja Bilah when Raja Yacob was appointed as the Head of Papan, replacing his father, Raja Bilah.

“Today, February 1, 2025, another chapter of history was made here when a historical signboard was officially launched by Raja Bilah’s great-grandchildren.”

“The installation of this historical signboard is part of PHS’s efforts to elevate the history of the Grand House of Raja Bilah and the Papan Fortress.”

“The main Mandailing village in Kinta once stood as the Heritage of Papan and the Kinta Valley. Hopefully, this effort will promote Histourism in the Papan Heritage Town,” he said.

This initiative also receives support from the Batu Gajah District Council, the descendants of Raja Bilah’s family, the Kinta Valley Geopark, the Papan Heritage Group, and the Malaysian Historical Society (MHG).

The house was completed in 1896, with walls and a hall built for the headman.

Raja Bilah was also authorized by the Perak government to collect tin taxes in the Papan district.

Besides serving as a residence and headman’s office, the house also became the center of Mandailing activities in the state, with Raja Bilah himself being a leader from that community.

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