James W. W. Birch was the first British Resident in Perak.

He was killed by local Malay chief, Dato Maharajalela, in Pasir Salak, near today's Teluk Intan (Teluk Anson). He was killed because of his disrespect to the local custom and tradition, and conflict with local chiefs.

In the aftermath of the event, the administration shifted to Taiping. Sultan Abdullah was deposed and sent to exile in Seychelles. Dato Maharajalela and others involved in the incident were hanged.