Malayan Historical Group Association chairman Shaharom Ahmad (left) and Persatuan Warisan Perak secretary Nor Hisham Zulkiflee seen at a memorial ceremony marking the 81st anniversary of the Battle of Kampar at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Kampar in Perak late last month. Photo: Bernama
This year, the Malayan Historical Group Association (MHG) is working to ensure that historical World War II (WWII) sites in the Perak state continue to be protected, documented and promoted, with efforts to put up informative signboards and historical markers.
MHG chairman Shaharom Ahmad said 16 locations in Perak had been identified, with each site having their own historical value in the Malaysian story. With more historical information and research made available, these places can create opportunities for community pride and tourism.
"MHG strives to protect the historical value of the sites. We took the initiative to install signboards for each historical WWII site ... they can serve as informative 'open-air museums' for the public," said Shaharom.
MHG will continue to research and document the history and stories from the various WWII battle sites in the state of Perak, says Shaharom (right). Photo: Bernama
"So far we have installed signboards at the Kuala Dipang Bridge, the Victoria Bridge, the Sultan Iskandar Bridge in Kuala Kangsar, as well as in Teluk Intan, Chemor and Kampar which became the sites of fierce battles between British troops and the Japanese army,” he added.
He mentioned these initiatives after officiating a WWII memorial ceremony at Laman Sejarah Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Kampar in conjunction with the 81st anniversary of the "Battle of Kampar" at Green Ridge late last month.
The "Battle Of Kampar" was a fierce battle between 1,500 British troops, including Indian, Sikh and Gurkha soldiers who fought against 4,000 Japanese troops for four days from Dec 30, 1941.
The battle saw 150 British soldiers as well as 500 Japanese soldiers killed and buried in one site in the same area known as Green Ridge.
Shaharom said that MHG will continue to research and document these WWII battle sites, with collaborations and studies involving many parties, including historians - from within and outside the country. - Bernama
