Ever Wondered Why It’s Called Fraser’s Hill? Here's the Fascinating History & Mystery Behind Its Name

Before this highland retreat in Pahang became the well-known tourist destination we know today, Fraser’s Hill was actually a tin trading post in the late 1890s to early 1900s.

After a failed gold mining venture in Australia, Scottish pioneer Louis James Fraser ventured to the Federated Malay States in search of new opportunities. Drawn by the rich tin deposits in the highlands, he secured a mining lease in the area, now the site of Fraser’s Hill Golf Course.

According to reports, the area flourished following the discovery of tin. The highland was named after Fraser due to his significant role in developing the region.

However, by 1913, the tin ore had dwindled, and workers abandoned the site.

The mysterious disappearance of Louis James Fraser

Amid the fading legacy of the once-booming tin mine, Louis James Fraser vanished without a trace. It is believed he went missing during a routine walk.

A manhunt was launched, but while searching for Fraser, Reverend C.J. Ferguson-Davie from Singapore rediscovered Fraser’s Hill in 1917. Although the search yielded no answers about Fraser’s disappearance, the reverend and a fellow bishop proposed to the British government that the area be developed into a hill resort.

In August 1919, a topographical survey confirmed the area’s suitability, setting the transformation of Fraser’s Hill into motion. The town reopened as a tourist destination in 1922.

As for Fraser’s disappearance, no clear explanation was ever found. However, in 2019, naturalist and historian Richard Hale debunked the mystery, suggesting that Fraser had simply retired and left the highlands.

Fraser’s disappearance has inspired a horror film

Misteri Fraser 1910 is a historical horror film currently showing in local cinemas. Directed by Shuhaimi Zulkefli, the film features a star-studded cast including Josiah Hogan, Siti Hariesa, Amai Kamarudin, and more.

The film follows the story of Mr Fraser, who founded Fraser’s Hill in 1890. After making a fortune from tin mining, he developed the area into a town centre and social hub for elite citizens, especially the British Army.

However, Mr Fraser mysteriously vanished in 1910, leaving his trusted aide, Asan, in charge of his business. When Asan and his wife, Wati, moved into Fraser’s bungalow, strange and mystical events began to unfold.

According to a report by FMT, Misteri Fraser 1910 was recently recognised as Best First-Time Filmmaker at the Lift-Off Global Network Sessions Vol. 4, held at Pinewood Studios in the UK.