Masnan Shyeh Sahibul Karamah
@usm.my
Research Officer, Centre for Global Archaeological Research
Universiti Sains Malaysia
RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS
Archeology, Geophysics, Geology
Scopus Publications
Scopus Publications
Mohd Hasfarisham Abd Halim, Shyeh Sahibul Karamah Masnan, and Mokhtar Saidin
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Abstract Archaeological research at the Sungai Batu Archaeological Complex (SBAC) has revealed evidence of iron smelting workshops, river jetties, port management buildings, and ritual and Buddhist sites across an area of 4 km2. These features were developed into a heritage tourism product in the Kuala Muda district. To support heritage tourism, the data collected through field studies were processed into a 3-dimensional form via CorelDraw X7 (64-bit) and 3ds Max software. The Living Culture Gallery at the SBAC develops heritage tourism by applying digital technology such as VR, AR, hologram fans, and QR codes. Therefore, it directly contributes to the promotion of tourist sites and ensures their sustainability.
Nor Amira Sharom, Nor Khairunnisa Talib, Nordiana Muztaza, Shyeh Sahibul Karamah Masnan, and Velat Bujeng
Penerbit Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM Press)
Tinjauan awal di Bukit Suring terhadap permukaan teres bukit menunjukkan potensi kewujudan sungai kuno yang mungkin pernah mengalir di kawasan ini pada masa lalu. Bagi mengesahkan hipotesis ini, satu kajian geofizik telah dijalankan menggunakan kaedah keberintangan elektrik dua dimensi (2D) untuk mengenal pasti bukti geologi di bawah permukaan. Kajian ini bertujuan untuk mengesan kesan tinggalan sungai kuno, termasuk kehadiran sedimen seperti aluvium, pasir dan batu pasir. Metodologi ini melibatkan penggunaan elektrod bagi mengukur nilai keberintangan elektrik 2D yang dapat membezakan variasi material di sub-permukaan. Hasil kajian menunjukkan kehadiran kelikir sungai yang memberikan petunjuk jelas mengenai kewujudan sistem sungai kuno di kawasan ini. Fenomena ini turut mencerminkan keadaan di tapak Paleolitik di Lembah Lenggong dengan kewujudan sungai kuno berperanan penting dalam menyokong kehidupan manusia prasejarah. Sungai Perak kuno dipercayai menjadi sumber air utama dan kelikir untuk pembuatan alat batu serta kawasan strategik bagi penempatan manusia awal di Lembah Lenggong, sebagaimana yang dapat dihipotesiskan bagi tapak Paleolitik Bukit Suring. Data yang diperoleh dalam kajian ini diproses menggunakan perisian RES2DINV bagi menghasilkan imej dua dimensi berwarna yang dapat menunjukkan ketebalan lapisan kelikir, ketebalan tanah serta kepadatannya, seterusnya menyumbang kepada pemahaman yang lebih mendalam tentang landskap purba dan kemungkinan kaitannya dengan aktiviti manusia prasejarah.
, Ahmad Syahir Zulkipli, Suresh Narayanen, , Nor Khairunnisa Talib, , Nasha Rodziadi Khaw, , Ahmad Fadly Jusoh, ,et al.
Geological Society of Malaysia
This paper highlights the mineralogical properties of earthenware pottery shards excavated from Gua Sagu archaeological site in Kuantan, Pahang. Six earthenware pottery shards from different trenches and spits were selected for mineralogical analysis. For provenance study, soil samples collected from the site during the 1990-1991 excavations and clay samples obtained during the 2022 fieldwork from Sungai Batu, the nearest river to Gua Sagu were included in this study. Selected pottery samples, as well as the clay and soil samples, were analysed by means of X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and portable Raman Spectrometry (pRS). The analyses reveal that the mineral compositions of the Gua Sagu pottery consist mainly of quartz, hematite muscovite, albite, microcline and kaolin. The same minerals were identified in clay samples from Sungai Batu while gypsum and hydroxyapatite were observed in soil samples from Gua Sagu. It can be concluded that the Gua Sagu pottery was composed of high-grade clay, and was sand-tempered and fired in an uneven atmosphere at low temperatures presumably around 650 °C or less. However, the Gua Sagu pottery was not made by using clay sourced from Sungai Batu. The pottery may have been a trade item brought in from elsewhere to be used for cooking or storage. A lesson from this study is that the portable Raman spectrometer is a fast and easy-to-use device for the spectroscopic characterisation of ancient pottery.
Muhammad Taqiuddin Zakaria, Nordiana Mohd Muztaza, Ismail Ahmad Abir, Nur Azwin Ismail, and Shyeh Sahibul Karamah Masnan
Penerbit Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM Press)
Lembah Bujang is well-known for its cultural heritage, comprising a vast variety of archaeological structures and artifacts that could potentially offer valuable insights into the area’s historical timeline. However, identifying buried archaeological features via geophysical surveys is a complicated process that necessitates a comprehensive comprehension of both physical properties and archaeological knowledge. To overcome this challenge, a research project was conducted to detect clay brick structures using an integration of geophysical methods such as magnetic and 2-D resistivity at two separate locations within the SB2ZZ and SB2 sites. The research discovered two primary types of archaeological features for these areas, which are mound surfaces and scattered exposed clay bricks. The magnetic data was processed to identify potential clay bricks, which were then confirmed using 2-D resistivity. At the SB2ZZ site, excavations uncovered buried clay brick structures, which reinforced the interpretation of geophysical findings. Both SB2ZZ and SB2 sites demonstrated that clay bricks typically exhibit high magnetic anomalies and resistivity values ranging from 50-140 nT and 400-1000 Ωm, respectively. In conclusion, the combined use of geophysical methods in this study provided detailed subsurface images that were validated by excavation data.
Mohd Hasfarisham Abd Halim, Naizatul Akma Mohd Mokhtar, Shyeh Sahibul Karamah Masnan, and Mokhtar Saidin
Elsevier BV
, Mohd Hasfarisham ABD HALIM, Nor Khairunnisa TALIB, , Shyeh Sahibul Karamah MASNAN, , Nur Asikin RASHIDI, , Mokhtar SAIDIN, and
Asociatia de Geografie, Turism si Sport
Academic studies in the Lenggong Valley area have facilitated the careful recording of primary data on the location and current condition of each geoarchaeological site. This research has facilitated the sustainable empowerment of the heritage tourism sector by emphasising the principles of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)—leaving no one behind. Stakeholders plan to help local communities by participating in tourism activities to achieve this goal. Therefore, t hey conducted this study to document the involvement of local communities in tourism initiatives at geoarchaeologi cal sites, particularly in Lenggong Valley, Perak, Malaysia. The research method used to enable the primary data to be recorded is to focus on survey and participation activities related to organised tourism programmes involving local communities. The recording of field activities allows primary data related to the location of the site to be mapped into a 2-dimensional map as well as being able to record the latest conditions and tourism facilities available at the heritage sites. In addition, by participating in activities, it has enabled data related to tourism activities involving the participation of the local community to be systematically recorded. In fact, by conducting observations through the organisation of geoguide workshops, it also allows data related to the involvement of stakeholders and the local community at the same time to be recorded for the purpose of creating certified geoguides at heritage sites in the Lenggong Valley area, Perak, Malaysia. The results indicate that certain segments of the local community in the Lenggong Valley have received training and are now actively participating in the role of certified tour guides. Additionally, some local communities serve as traditional food operators and provide homestay accommodations. This study indicates that the local community has played an active role in empowering the heritage tourism sector in the Lenggong Valley area. The study unequivocally demonstrates the successful alignment of tourism activities in the Lenggong Valley with the SDG principles, thereby safeguarding heritage tourism locations. Thus, this study has clearly documented the best actions of stakeholders and local communities, which have so far succeeded in directly involving the community in geotourism activities, especially in the Lenggong Valley area.
Mohd Hasfarisham Abd Halim, Iklil Izzati Zakaria, Shyeh Sahibul Karamah Masnan, Shaiful Shahidan, and Mokhtar Saidin
Informa UK Limited
Mohd Hasfarisham Abd Halim, Naizatul Akma Mohd Mokhtar, Siti Nurul Siha Mohamad, Iklil Izzati Zakaria, Nur Saerah Abd Hamid, Shyeh Sahibul Karamah Masnan, and Mokhtar Saidin
Elsevier BV
Mohd Hasfarisham Abd Halim, Naizatul Akma Mohd Mokhtar, Nor Khairunnisa Talib, Shyeh Sahibul Karamah Masnan, Ahmad Fadly Jusoh, and Mokhtar Saidin
Elsevier BV
, Mohd Hasfarisham ABD HALIM, Shaiful SHAHIDAN, , Shyeh Sahibul Karamah MASAN, , Mokhtar SAIDIN, and
Asociatia de Geografie, Turism si Sport
The Guar Kepah archaeological site in Penang, Malaysia, has been the focus of archaeological re search since 1860, revealing important insights into the prehistoric maritime community that inhabited the area approximately 5,000 years ago. Excavations at the site have revealed human skeletons, teeth, stone tools, and pottery, providing evidence of the community's burial traditions and material culture. The primary data collected from these excavations has facilitated the development of the site's tourism sector, with plans underway to establish the Guar Kepah Archaeological Center (GKAC). This study emphasises the importance of utilising primary data to create compelling narratives that contribute to the development of archaeological heritage tour packages. The Guar Kepah site serves as a case study for the development of archaeotourism, highlighting the need for a balance between site preservation and providing authentic experience to cultural tourists. The findings from this site have the potential to shed light on human relations with aquatic habitats, the importance of the mari ne environment in human evolution and ecology, island colonisation, and the establishment of maritime trade networks. The development of the Guar Kepah site as an archaeological heritage tourism location in northern Peninsular Malaysia demonstrates the commitment of the government and stakeholders to promoting sustainable heritage tourism in the region.
Mohd Hasfarisham Abd Halim, Nor Khairunnisa Talib, Shyeh Sahibul Karamah Masnan, and Mokhtar Saidin
Emerald
PurposeThis study was conducted with the main purpose of recording primary data related to environmental factors, which has become the main criteria in the selection of the Sungai Batu Archaeological Complex (SBAC) as the center of the iron smelting industry and trade in ancient Kedah.Design/methodology/approachTo fulfill this purpose, field studies involving drone photogrammetry mapping, augering, core drilling and geophysical mapping methods were carried out.FindingsThe results obtained through the application of the method have shown that SBAC has a good environment, which has a wide and deep river flow, the existence of Mount Jerai and the abundance of iron ores, mangrove Merbok and clay.Research limitations/implicationsResources did not allow for environment studies of the by-products tourism sites as part of the current study.Practical implicationsThe study also included a survey and mapping to obtain potential primary data around SBAC in the process of developing it as the center of the world iron industry.Social implicationsOne finding is that attention to heritage policy and protection must be ongoing at all levels of government and the local community to ensure that the survey and mapping data carried out can be developed as a sustainable heritage tourism product.Originality/valueThis study reveals primary data related to the suitability of paleoenvironment in the SBAC development process as a world iron smelting industry area.
, Mohd Hasfarisham Abd HALIM, Mohd Zulhafiz SAID, , Mohd Amin ALI, , Shyeh Sahibul Karamah MASNAN, , Nor Khairunnisa TALIB, ,et al.
Asociatia de Geografie, Turism si Sport
This study provides primary evidence about the geological features in Kuala Muda district, indicating significant potential for development as a geotourism product. To collect primary data, we conducted survey and mapping activities to gather information about the current condition of 11 geosites, as well as the facilities already in place to facilitate seasonal tourism. In addition, a review of previous scientific research for each geosite is also carried out so that geosite speciality data can be summarized. The study's results have facilitated the creation of 17 tourism packages under the AncKed Sungai Batu Association, encompassing geology, geoarchaeology, biology, history, heritage, and culture tourism products in the Kuala Muda district. Offering tour packages enables the district to conduct knowledgeable tourism activities involving people from all walks of life and ages, with trained locals serving as tour guides. This ensures the preservation of geotourism at its optimal level.
Mohd Hasfarisham Abd Halim, Naizatul Akma Mohd Mokhtar, Shyeh Sahibul Karamah Masnan, Nor Khairunnisa Talib, Ahmad Fadly Jusoh, and Mokhtar Saidin
Elsevier BV
Mohd Amin ALI, , Mohd Hasfarisham Abd HALIM, Shyeh Sahibul Karamah MASNAN, Mokhtar SAIDIN, Suresh NARAYANEN, , , , and
Asociatia de Geografie
Archaeological research in the Kuala Muda district until 2022 has recorded three archaeological complexes that are still in-situ and can be visited by tourists. The archaeological evidence at Sungai Batu, Bukit Batu Pahat and Pengkalan Bujang Archaeological Complex which proves the existence of the Kedah Tua kingdom as the main trading location in the world. In order to obtain primary data, field research such as surveys, mapping and archaeological excavations are carried out to obtain in-situ data. The results of the study revealed that the Sungai Batu Archaeological Complex has been used as an iron smelting industrial area since 788 BC while the Bukit Batu Pahat and Pengkalan Bujang Archaeological Complexes have been used as a port and a Hindu-Buddhist complex since the 7th Century AD to the 13th Century AD. Based on the uniqueness of the archaeological data in the complex, as many as five tourism packages have been created to preserve this archaeological heritage tourism with the Sungai Batu Archaeological Complex (SBAC) has been made as a one stop center for the management of the tourism package.
Mohd Hasfarisham Abd HALIM, , Naizatul Akma Mohd MOKHTAR, Iklil Izzati ZAKARIA, Siti Nurul Siha MOHAMAD, Nur Saerah Abd HAMID, Shyeh Sahibul Karamah MASNAN, Mokhtar SAIDIN, , ,et al.
Asociatia de Geografie
In order to obtain primary data related to the iron smelting activities, the experimental process of furnaces, tuyere and air pumps making is carried out. The experiment has conducted since 2013 through the Knowledge Transfer Program (KTP) in Sungai Batu Archaeological Complex (SBAC). Through the experiment, the clay in this complex has been used as a raw material for furnaces and tuyere making while the bellows is made of wood, plywood and fabric. In order to complete the experiment regarding the raw material that use for iron smelting, iron ore was taken through survey activities in the area of Kampung Batu 5, UiTM Merbok and Bukit Tupah while charcoal was used from rubber wood in the rubber plantation near the Sungai Batu Archaeological Complex. After the experiment was conducted, the results recorded were different from the findings of the iron ingot excavation at the iron smelting site which is likely to occur due to the difference in technique and ratio of materials used during smelting activities. Although the results obtained during the experiment are different, the smelting process can be used as the main reference for offering tourism full packages related to the demonstration of iron smelting in this complex to foreign tourists.
Mohd Hasfarisham Abd HALIM, , Mohd Aziz GORIP, Rasydan MUHAMAD, Shyeh Sahibul Karamah MASNAN, Mokhtar SAIDIN, , , , and
Asociatia de Geografie
Archaeological studies conducted in Gua Pelangi, Negeri Sembilan have been able to find an early civilization aged between 14,000 to 9,000 thousand years ago which was used as a shelter from hot rain and wild animals, in addition to making stone tools and food preparation. The interpretation was based on the findings of 299 lithic artifacts, 52,929 faunal remains and evidence of burning such as ash, charcoal and burning sediments that are still in situ have been recorded. This site is also used as a workshop for the manufacture of stone tools with the presence of hammer stone, cores, anvil, flake, chopper and debitage. Analysis of the fauna remains found clearly shows that this community hunts and collects terrestrial, arboreal/semi-arboreal and aquatic/semi-aquatic vertebrate animals and mollusk shells. Based on the scientific evidence, ecotourism activities involving cave exploration, pioneering and jungle trekking, camping, limestone hill climbing, cooking demonstrations in the forest and visits to local community villages have been carried out. This shows that efforts to develop Gua Pelangi into a tourism product have begun and this is able to develop the economy of the local community in the area.
Mohd Jaki Mamat, Nasha Rodziadi Khaw, Suresh Narayanen, Hisham Atan Edinur, Noralisafik Wahid, Shyeh Sahibul Karamah Masnan, Nor Khairunnisa Talib, Nazarudin Zainun, and Mohd Firdaus Abdullah
Malaysian Institute of Planners
The layout and planning of royal towns as capitals of Malay sultanates are based on principles of forming a palace complex complete with defence systems, infrastructures for economic activities, transportation systems, religious centres and surrounded by settlements. Sultan Muzaffar Shah I (1528-1549) built such a complex with a defence system in Tanah Abang as the first capital and administrative centre of his newly founded Perak sultanate. Regretfully today no trace of it have been found. However, based on the remains of the fort surrounding the area, the layout and planning of the palace complex in Tanah Abang, Kota Lama, Perak can be ascertained. Based on the period of 15th-19th centuries’ layouts of other Malay royal towns as references, this study employs geomorphological study and topographic mapping to study the layout and milieu of Tanah Abang. Upon further probe the area was found to meet the essential characteristics of the layout of a Malay palace complex which often consisted of a complete and intricate network of centres for administration, defence, socioeconomic activities and population concentration. The study also found that the remnants of the compacted earthen ramparts need an in-depth analysis regarding their structural condition, still well-preserved after almost 500 years.
Nor Khairunnisa Talib, Mohd Zulhafiz Said, Nurazlin Abdullah, Syeh Sahibul Karamah Masnan, Nurasikin Rashidi, Mokhtar Saidin, Ibrahim Komoo, Che Aziz Ali, Norhayati Ahmad, and Rosazman Hussin
Malaysian Institute of Planners
The Lenggong Valley is uniquely significant in national and international geological heritage and was declared a UNESCO Archaeological Heritage Site in 2012. The Lenggong Valley was formed 550 million years ago. It is one of the oldest in Peninsular Malaysia, equivalent to the rock formations in Langkawi and Jerai. The geological evolution in the Lenggong Valley also produced biodiversity and the history of early human prehistoric to the present time. Due to this privilege, the Lenggong Geopark nomination development effort started in 2020 by forming the Geopark Promotion and Development Committee. Lenggong Geopark covers an area of 2,068 km2 (enclosed by the boundaries of the Lenggong Parliament). A total of 27 geosites have been identified, depicting four important geological and historical tectonic evolutions and special geomorphic features in the Lenggong Valley. Eight biosites are still preserved, involving granite mountain, limestone, and lowland ecosystems covered by different forest types. It is the limestone hills that contain a large number of rare and endemic flora species. In addition, eight geoarchaeological sites were also identified that depicts the interaction between early humans and the geological landscape. The unique and preserved traditions of life, art and culture have added value to the geopark. Therefore, active efforts continue to be carried out in the development of geosites and programs with the local community to foster a high sense of pride and belonging to a place, in addition to an understanding of the preservation and conservation of natural and cultural heritage in Lenggong Geopark. Various activities based on tourism activities are also planned to stimulate the economy and introduce Lenggong as the second national geopark area in the State of Perak.
Naizatul Akma Mokhtar
Institute of Rock Structure and Mechanics, AS CR
Archaeological evidence has demonstrated that the Bujang Valley is Malaysia's richest archaeological site and served as the primary coastal centre. A study in the Bujang Valley found monuments related to trading activities and others that functioned as a temple related to the Hindu-Buddhist period. The main purpose of this study was to resolve issues and problems arising from previous studies related to the Bujang Valley civilisation, particularly in terms of iron studies. Geophysics plays a vital role in assisting archaeologists to obtain excellent preliminary results before they proceed with excavation and digging works. Therefore, the 2-D resistivity and ground-penetrating radar (GPR) methods were conducted to locate and map the potential iron smelting site at Site B2 (SB2). Three main characteristics that can be observed on the surface are a mound area, exposed clay bricks and surface finds. Two-D resistivity showed the resistivity values of a possible buried structure, with values > 800 Ωm. Radargram profiles showed the highest amplitude, indicating the reflections uncovered in the location in certain survey lines. This paper presents the first summary of research on the metallurgical sites in the Bujang Valley, the most important site in Malaysia. Geophysical methods, which rely on a physical contrast between buried archaeological features and the properties of the surrounding subsoil, can assist archaeological investigations.
Wani Maler, , Shyeh S.K.M., Oetomo R.W., Suprayitno S., Mokhtar Saidin, , , , and
Geological Society of Malaysia
The Centre for Global Archaeological Research at Universiti Sains Malaysia (transl. University of Science Malaysia) had signed a memorandum of understanding with Universitas Syiah Kuala (Unsyiah) and Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) regarding Islamic archaeological research in Sumatera. This cooperation was in order to unearth new clues on the early history of Islam in the South East Asia region. A preliminary survey had been done in Aceh and Barus which found a number of tombstones belonging to the early Muslim population in the area. This study focused on the Barus tombstones found in Penanggahan, Barus during the fieldwork in the December of 2014. The oldest tombstone found in Barus to date was dated to about 1350 AD. The Barus tombstones were made from tuff. This particular tombstone was unique in its form, the decoration and motif not conforming to any known classification to date. The engravings and carvings on the surface of the tombstones have its own distinct style. There are also similarities of the ornaments with those of the Plak-Pling tombstones which seems indicative of contact between Barus and Aceh during the time of the spread of Islam in the region.