Several wartime pillboxes still stand in Johor. — THOMAS YONG/The Star
Patriotic passion often burns bright in August, owing to the fact that our nation’s independence is commemorated at the end of the month.
Of course, understanding our history and being proud of it shouldn’t be limited to just the one month. Any time is a good time to explore the nooks and crannies of Malaysia looking for historical places or monuments that can give us deeper insights into our nation’s past, helping us appreciate what we’ve achieved through the decades and beyond.
As we celebrate Malaysia’s 67th Merdeka Day today, let us take a look at a few historical sites that definitely warrant a visit for anyone wanting to understand what Malaysia was like before independence, so that we may better appreciate how our country has developed since.
Labuan Chimney, Federal Territory of Labuan
This distinctive 32m-high chimney in Tanjung Kubong has been part of Labuan’s landscape since the 1900s. Constructed from more than 23,000 pieces of raw red bricks, imported from a well-known manufacturer in Britain, the century-old structure’s reason for existence is actually a mystery.
Labuan Chimney is now part of the Chimney Museum. — AZMAN GHANI / The Star
Initially believed to be a practical part of the island’s now defunct coal mining system, recent excavations proved otherwise. No trace of it ever being used as the coal mine’s chimney was found, leading speculations to it being an unfinished tower or lighthouse instead.
Nevertheless, it remains significant to Labuan’s history and now stands in the Chimney Historical Complex, which also includes the Chimney Museum. Opened in October 2022, the museum tells not only of the area’s mining activities that lasted from 1847 until 1911 but also of the world’s coal mining history.
The Grand Old Lady, Sarawak
This spot is also known as Miri Oil Well No.1, since it is the city’s first oil well. It further holds the distinction as the inaugural oil well not only in Sarawak but also the whole of Malaysia.
Decades of studies done by the British starting from the late 1800s led to them hiring a Canadian driller, Charles McAlpine, to build the now historical 30m-high wooden tower.
McAlpine recruited locals to work on it and reportedly in his honour, the hill was renamed from Bukit Telaga Minyak (locals have long known of the oil’s existence) to Canada Hill.
It remained in commission until 1941 and later became part of the Petroleum Museum, which opened on May 20, 2005 – also marking the day that city status was bestowed on Miri, once a humble fishing village until the oil well opened up more opportunities for it.
Visitors to this area are also rewarded with a panoramic view of Miri and a stunning sunset in the evening.
The Grand Old Lady in Sarawak is the first oil well in Malaysia. — ANSOVINA CHAI/The Star
Laman Kubu British 1939, Johor
Dotted along Sungai Johor in KotaTinggi are a few aged but steadfastly sturdy pillboxes, built by the British during World War II in their battle against the Japanese.
Even though the pillboxes never saw any action in the end, as the war path was diverted inland instead, these fortified buildings remain an important part of Johor’s history.
Now fenced in by stone walls that dictate the boundaries of the park dedicated to them, they serve as historical landmarks that awe visitors with their imposing build. Despite the lack of official information on these pillboxes, they continue to attract tourists, especially those with an interest in war history.
Locals love taking photos at Perak’s Victoria Bridge. — TINU711/Wikimedia Commons
Construction of the Victoria Bridge was completed in 1900. — Filepic
Victoria Bridge, Perak
The symmetrical balance present in its design lends an aesthetic appeal to any photo of the Victoria Bridge taken head-on. Add in the complementing elements of steel, brick and wood, the single-track railway truss bridge in Karai, Perak makes for a visually-arresting backdrop.
It’s no surprise then that locals tend to visit it to capture Instagram-worthy images. Though sprinkled among them are actual history buffs who visit for the sake of, well, history.
Built by the British as a means of transporting natural resources from then-Malaya to Singapore, the 351m-long bridge was completed in March 1900 and stayed in service until 2002.
As it wasn’t built with tourism potential in mind, there is a lack of proper infrastructure for visitors (no car park, for example). Visitors must also tread carefully on the bridge, parts of it are structurally unsound due to lack of maintenance since its discontinued use.
Balai Besar, Kedah
When the 19th Sultan of Kedah, Sultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Adilin Mu’adzam Shah II (1710-1778), built Istana Kota Setar in 1735, Balai Besar was included in the palace complex.
It still functions as the grand hall for royal and state ceremonies, but the stately building standing in its place today is a reconstruction by architect Muhammad Lebai Tambi during the reign of the state’s 26th ruler, Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah (1882-1943).
The originally wooden hall was previously rebuilt twice following attacks by the Bugis in 1770 and Siam in 1821. Muhammad revamped it in 1896 (some sources state 1898) by blending Malay architecture with European, Javanese and Thai design elements.
A visit here entails only exterior exploration. However, it is only a short walk away from other Alor Setar attractions, such as the Kedah Royal Museum (the former Istana Kota Setar), Zahir Mosque and Nobat Hall.
Balai Besar is one of the historical attractions in Kedah. — Filepic
