Slim River (Jawi: سليم ريۏر; ; Tamil: சிலிம் ரீவர்) is a small town in Muallim District, Perak, Malaysia. It is about 100 km (driving time 45 minutes) from Kuala Lumpur. It is situated in the southern part of Perak and is 20 km north of Tanjung Malim. It is about 100 km (driving time 1 hour) from Ipoh. The town is surrounded by many small villages. History The town is named after a nearby river, Sungai Slim. The word Sungai means river in Malay. The river was actually named after an English captain with last name Slim in the 19th century. He accidentally went up the river instead of the Perak River which was the main waterway back then. Slim River was a military strategic midpoint 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. Economy The main economic activities are agriculture-based, such as palm oil and rubber plantations. There are some automotive shops selling engine parts and components. This is due to the proximity of the new car manufacturing town, Proton City in Tanjung Malim. Demographics The population is estimated at 100,000, and comprises Malays, Chinese, Tamils (Indians) and Aborigines (Orang Asli) Public Amenities There is a new modern government hospital providing basic medical care for the district. In addition, there is a public library for the locals to visit. Schools Primary and secondary education are provided by a few schools in Slim River, namely: Sekolah Kebangsaan Balun, Slim River Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Dato' Zulkifli Muhammad Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Slim Sekolah Kebangsaan Kuala Slim Kolej Vokasional Slim River Sekolah Kebangsaan Slim River Sekolah Kebangsaan Aminuddin Baki Sekolah Rendah Jenis Kebangsaan (C) Chin Hua Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama Slim River Sekolah Rendah Jenis Kebangsaan (T) Slim River Sekolah Kebangsaan Slim Village Sekolah Kebangsaan Ulu Slim Sekolah Kebangsaan Pos Bersih Sekolah Kebangsaan Pos Tenau Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (C) Ho Pin, Slim Village Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (T) Slim