Poison Well
Kuala Selangor
In days of old, wells are seen in many places. They are where water is collected for drinking, bathing, and so on. This here is a well used for a totally different reason. This well is called Poison Well. It has been given such a name not because it was filled with poison to kill people, but it was used for torture.
I am not sure how torture is carried out other than the methods shown in movies but in the past the rulers here used intense irritation to torture those worthy of being tortured. The water in this well was mixed with a mixture of sap or latex and a certain bamboo shoot. This mixture is said to cause the skin to itch terribly.
The poison well.
Back in the early days traitors, prisoners, and anyone who broke the law were thrown into the Poison Well. The water level in the well reached up to their chins of these “outlaws.” Soon their skin will start to itch and the itching only gets worse and more intense. How’s that for torture.
Today this well has been properly built and is sealed with a metal grill to block adventurous folks from falling in (safety reasons). One can visit the well, look in it and imagine what it would be like to be sitting in the well, itching intensely for hours or days until death comes or until someone releases you.
Google Maps to Poison Well.
Melawati Hill in Kuala Selangor is a historical place to add to one’s places to visit list.
An old lighthouse stands on top of the summit of Melawati Hill guiding ships that sail this section of the Straits of Malacca.
A visit to the Kuala Selangor District Historical Museum is a must when one visits Melawati Hill. This is where the history of the place is showcased for all to see.
From this hill the rulers of early days played an important role in the building and shaping of Selangor. It is also on this hill that they rest for eternity.
The Silver Leaf Monkey and the macaques call Melawati Hill home. They roam around in good numbers and are somewhat used to humans. Here one can get up close.
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