History of town in Slim River

• Slim River was named after a near by river, Sungai Slim. The word "Sungai" in malay means river. In the 18th century, the river was actually named after an English captain with the last name "slim". He accidentally went up the river instead of the river of Perak which was the main waterway back then.

Slim River was a military strategic mid-point from North to South of Malaya during World War II. It was the site of a major battle during World War II between the Japanese and British forces which consisted of troops from India, Australia and Great Britain. The British lost the Battle of Slim River to the Japanese forces, who were equipped with tanks. The Japanese also had total air superiority. In their defeat at Slim River, the British suffered heavy casualties and many units were cut off from their line of retreat. The battle effectively ended British hopes of defending Malaya.