PAHANG - TEMERLOH

BY HJ ZULHEIMY MAAMOR

15 MAY 2024

TEMERLOH BANDAR IKAN PATIN

Temerloh, the city of catfish, formerly known as Kuala Semantan,located about 130 km from Kuala Lumpur along the Kuantan-Kuala Lumpur trunk road.Temerloh is the second largest urban area in Pahang after Kuantan, the state capital city. It is situated at the confluence of the Pahang and Semantan Rivers. 

I don't have much experience in the city of Temerloh except for having attended a Health Program Coordination meeting with the Temerloh District Youth Council at McDonald's, Temerloh on 27 October 2016.

Temerlohis famously called "Bandar Ikan Patin", rich in freshwater fish, especially ikan Patin, a type of river catfish highly prized in Malaysian cuisine. The town has become famous for dishes using patin, particularly Patin Tempoyak — a traditional dish made with fermented durian and patin fish. Tourists and locals alike come specifically for this delicacy.

S.M.K ABU BAKAR, TEMERLOH

Temerloh is famous for its catfish. The catfish is a native to the rivers of Pahang, particulartly in the town of Temerloh, which is where it got its name. The Temerloh catfish is a popular ingredient in many local dishes, and it is considered a delicacy by many Malaysians.

There are 4 types of Patin, namely, River Patin (P.Nasutus), Mucung Patin (Helicophagus waandersii), Champion Patin (P.micronemus) and Patin King. 

Temerloh has been rebranded as "Patin Fish Town/Silvercat fish Town" on April 16, 1999 by the then Culture, Art and Tourism Minister, Datuk Sabaruddin Chik. 

I had the opportunity to taste the very popular Gulai Tempoyak Ikan Patin in Temerloh, which is Pak Usop's Patin stall near Temerloh River on November 28, 2015. At that time, we had an event at Kg Bolok Hulu in Lanchang. We do not want to miss the opportunity to go to Temerloh, which is only 33 km from Lanchang.

“Ikan Patin” is a type of freshwater fish popular in Malaysia and other parts of Southeast Asia. Its scientific name is Pangasius sutchi, and it’s part of the catfish family. It has a smooth, silvery body and is known for its tender, white flesh, which is slightly fatty and very flavorful.

In Malaysia, ikan patin is especially famous in dishes like Patin Masak Tempoyak, where the fish is cooked in fermented durian, giving it a rich, tangy, and unique taste. It’s also grilled, steamed, or cooked in curry.

R&R TEMERLOH

In the past, while working, I often traveled outstations throughout all the states in Malaysia, from Perlis to Sabah.

When we travel to the East Coast states, we always make a stop at R&R Temerloh because it's our favorite place for rest and relaxation.

Temerloh city holds a place in our memories. It has many popular attractions, including Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary, Kuala Gandah National Elephant Conservation Centre, Esplanade Temerloh etc. 

Visit the Pekan Sehari Temerloh, a weekly bazaar happened to be on Sunday held at Lurah Semantan from as early as 7.00 a.m until 1.00 p.m. 

Whenever you are in Temerloh, don't forget to eat Ikan Patin Masak Tempoyak and Chicken Rice at Temerloh Old Town. 

There are many more places that you can explore at Temerloh..just go to the website and check the travel Guide to Temerloh. 

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

Lembah Keramat, K.L

15 May 2024 > 7 Zulkaedah 1445H: 7.37 p.m