The Legendary Story of Sang Kancil
The mouse-deer is so synonym with Melaka because they were the most cited animal in the early establishing history of Melaka dynasty by Parameswara in the year of 1262. The name Tuah was given to the male mouse-deer in honor of the Melaka’s Malay warrior while the name Teja was given to the female mouse-deer in remembrance of Sri Kandi, the lover of Sultan Malacca. The exclusive appearance of Tuah and Teja is the iconic symbol of Melaka.
The history of Malacca began when Parameswara the prince of Palembang was involved in the battle to take the throne of the Majapahit kingdom at the end of the 14th century. After being defeated by Majapahit, he ran to seek refuge in Temasik which was then ruled by Siam. After being expelled from Temasik by the invaders from Siam, in 1396, he and his followers withdrew to Muar and then to Sungai Ujong before stopping by Bertam near the estuary of the Melaka river.
After being defeated by Majapahit, he ran to seek refuge in Temasik which was then ruled by Siam. After being expelled from Temasik by the invaders from Siam, in 1396, he and his followers withdrew to Muar and then to Sungai Ujong before stopping by Bertam near the estuary of the Melaka river.
Upon arriving in Bertam, he saw his hunting dog named Si Pasai kicked by a white mousedeer. He was impressed by the bravery of the white mousedeer and decided to open the state there. He asked for the name of the tree he relied on and his followers told him that the name of the tree was Malacca. Therefore, he decided to name his state after the tree, Melaka.
Did you know, the mousedeer that kicked Parameswara’s hunting dog (Si Pasai) also has its name? Their names are Tuah and Teja
Therefore, we use Tuah and Teja as an official icon for our products recognized by the Melaka State Government.
