KAMPAR: More informative signboards are being planned for installation at historical World War II locations, says Malayan Historical Group chairman Shaharom Ahmad.
He said there were several WWII “battle sites” in Perak, which the group hopes they will be able to place signboards at.
“We have a WWII heritage trail brochure that shows 16 locations, including the Victoria Bridge in Kuala Kangsar.
“We also hope to work with Tourism Perak to put up some roadside markers at these locations,” he said after unveiling the new signboard for the Green Ridge World War II site along Jalan Ipoh-Kampar here yesterday.
“If we have the budget, and also receive donations, we will proceed with it,” he added.
The signboard was put up to explain the significance of the 6.47ha site, whereby one of the fiercest battles occurred, involving 1,500 British troops and 4,000 Japanese troops that lasted for four days and four nights from Dec 30, 1941, to Jan 2, 1942.
The event was described as one of the rare moments where Japanese troops tasted heavy defeat after advancing relatively easily from the northern side of the peninsula.
The battle also saw 150 British and 500 Japanese soldiers killed and buried in the same area, underlining the significance of the signboard to remember the heroic deeds of the allied troops during wartime Malaya.
The metal signboard for the Green Ridge site was stolen earlier this year and is believed to have been sold as scrap.
Shaharom said they replaced the stolen signboard after getting feedback from the public.
“We also felt that the signboard is necessary as it provides information to visitors.
“It looks weird and feels like something is missing if we don’t put up a signboard here,” he said, referring to the previously stolen signboard. He added that many people visited the site after the earlier signboard was installed in 2020.
Shaharom said they had no choice but to use metal to make the signboard as it was cheaper.
“We had initially thought about using fibreglass so thieves will not be interested but the cost was high.
“The Public Works Department also does not allow us to put up permanent structures,” he said, adding that the metal signboard cost about RM1,000.
“We hope the local authorities and the public here will help us keep an eye on it, and hopefully it will not be stolen again,” he added.
When contacted, Kampar OCPD Supt Mohamad Nazri Daud said two men, suspected to be involved in the theft, were arrested on Jan 5 and 14. It was understood that the stolen signboard could not be found.
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