One of the small concrete forts that is partly underground.
WORKERS carrying out flood mitigation work in Teluk Kumbar, Penang, stumbled upon four military pillboxes left behind by the British administration.
The four small and partly underground concrete forts used as outposts were found at several locations in the area, namely Jalan Cikgu Abu in Permatang Damar Laut, the roadside of Jalan Teluk Kumbar opposite SK Teluk Kumbar and at the Sungai Batu seaside.
Bayan Lepas assemblyman Azrul Mahathir Aziz said state Drainage and Irrigation Department workers made the discovery.
Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin believes the pillboxes or fortifications were built by the British during World War II to check on any military advancement into the island at that time.
“There are a number of such pillboxes all over Penang.
“These pillboxes should be well-conserved as a legacy for the next generation,” he said in a statement on Friday.
Yeoh visited the four military pillboxes with George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI) general manager Dr Ang Ming Chee along with Drainage and Irrigation engineers.
Yeoh said he would call a coordination meeting with related agencies soon to find ways to conserve the pillboxes.
“GTWHI will also provide the necessary technical support,” he added.
One of the small concrete forts that is partly underground.
One of the World War II pillboxes found by Drainage and Irrigation Department workers while carrying out upgrading work in Teluk Kumbar, Penang.
Yeoh taking a close look inside a pillbox.
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