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This article discusses archaeological research of shipwrecks as a form of underwater cultural heritage with special reference to ancient shipwrecks and their cargoes discovered in Peninsular Malaysia from 1907 to 2019. The discussion will include the formation process of underwater cultural heritage, especially the discoveries of shipwreck sites and cargoes which have connections as well as trade, cultural and political relationships with early maritime kingdoms in Southeast Asia. The significance of shipwreck sites in the development of archaeological shipwrecks in Peninsular Malaysia will also be discussed in the contexts of research and education of our national history. This is important for the early development of maritime archaeology's potential, particularly on shipwrecks from the 1990s to the early first decade of the 21st century. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Underwater archaeological research in Peninsular Malaysia has spanned more than a century, a period that is supposed to show that the field has been solid in terms of its research, technology and research findings. However, the area of underwater archaeological research has not grown properly as it is often dominated by commercial salvage experts and treasure hunter. It is undeniable that Malaysia is like any other country that has not been exposed to various issues and fundamental problems in developing this field. However, the alternative of using a commercial salvage company in developing and conducting research using the concept of concession distribution should be the last choice. Thus, this article will highlight the history of archaeological research in Peninsular Malaysia through three distinct phases, namely the pre-independence phase (up to 1980), the JMA phase (1980- 2005) and the JWN phase (2006-2019). Each of these phases is in accordance with stakeholder management methods and policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]