Everything Everywhere Daily · Thursday, September 10, 2026
Srivijaya expanded its influence by seizing key ports on the Malay Peninsula, including Old Kedah, which served as a harbor for Indian and Arab merchant ships. This strategic move locked down passage from the west, giving Srivijaya toll control over the strait's northwestern entrance and further consolidating its dominance over regional maritime trade.
“The Srivijaya had no intention of leaving that escape route open, so they began operations to seize key trade ports along the Malay Peninsula.”
“Old Kedah was the port where Indian and Arab merchant ships harbored after crossing the Bay of Bengal before making the journey to the South China Sea.”
“Securing Kedah provided a second strategic point, locking down passage for ships arriving from the west and giving the Srivijaya toll control of the strait's northwestern entrance.”