The Malay world
The Malay world (Alam Melayu) is the region of islands and coasts in Southeast Asia where Malay people lived. Long before the Melaka Sultanate, several early Malay kingdoms grew here.
Why kingdoms grew here
Most early kingdoms began near rivers or the sea. These places had water, food and safe harbours. Ships stopped to trade, so the kingdoms became rich and busy.
- Kedah Tua (Old Kedah) — a famous trading kingdom at the Bujang Valley.
- Langkasuka — one of the oldest kingdoms in the north.
- Gangga Negara — an early kingdom in Perak.
- Chi Tu (Red Earth Land) — an early kingdom known from old records.
Key idea
Early Malay kingdoms grew near rivers and the sea, where trade made them rich, long before Melaka.
Remember
- The Malay world is called Alam Melayu.
- Kedah Tua was a famous trading kingdom.
- Kingdoms grew where trade and rivers met.