via Sccop.my, 29 October 2023: Two academics are at odds over the dating of the ancient port civilization of Sg Batu in Ancient Kedah. An earlier (outlier) date of 788 BC is based on carbon dating and optically stimulated luminescence techniques, while the timeline between the 2nd and 10th century AD based on Bayesian Chronological Modelling. Experts call for more credible evidence to resolve the clash of narratives.
Former director of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Centre for Global Archaeological Research (CGAR) Professor Datuk Dr Mokhtar Saidin defended his 788 BC dating, saying it was endorsed by experts.
Mokhtar, who is also a geologist who invested much time and effort to map out Lembah Bujang archaeological sites, is however adamant and confident that his timeline, obtained via carbon dating on charcoal and ashes collected from the Sg Batu archaeological site, is right.
His BC timeline also includes research on bricks used to construct the jetty of the port city – these findings dated at around 6th century BC were obtained via the optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) technique.
Mokhtar’s timeline is being challenged by his former student Dr Nasha Rodziadi Khaw who specialises in historical archaeology and epigraphy-palaeography.
Nasha is also adamant that his findings, obtained via the Bayesian Chronological Modelling method, upholds the original dating of Lembah Bujang at between 2nd and 10th century AD.
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