Relic of war: The relic was initially well-preserved but some parts have since been removed or deteriorated over time.
KOTA KINABALU: Near the Sabah-Sarawak border in Lawas, a decaying plane believed to be a Japanese “Zero” fighter lies abandoned.
Residents of Kampung Pa Puti believe this relic dates back to World War II, around 1945, when Allied forces clashed with the Imperial Japanese Armed Forces.
Sinawat Tandem, 84, a nearby resident, recalls tales from elders about an emergency landing in the area, adding that the plane was ablaze at the time.
Witnesses reported seeing two pilots exit the aircraft, but details about their fate remain unclear, he said.
“I was told that the wreckage was later moved by the community to where it is now,” Sinawat said, adding that the relic was initially well-preserved but some parts have since been removed or deteriorated over time.
Sinawat expressed hope that the Sarawak Museum would take steps to preserve this historical artefact as it has the potential to be a tourist attraction.
Even in its current state, the rusting plane has attracted many visitors eager to see this piece of World War II history, he said.
“If Sarawak isn’t interested, perhaps the Sabah government might consider it,” he added.
On Sunday, Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew said she had instructed the Sabah Museum Department to investigate the relic before any decisions are made.
“I have been informed that there is a World War II relic lying in a village near the Sabah-Sarawak border,” she said when contacted.
“We will send our officers to the current location of the wreckage of this Japanese ‘Zero’ fighter and make an assessment.”
The Mitsubishi A6M “Zero” was designed as a long-range, carrier-based fighter aircraft and served in the Imperial Japanese Navy from 1940 to 1945.
Although Allied forces code-named the aircraft “Zeke,” the A6M was generally referred to as “Zero”, a name derived from its Japanese aircraft type designation.
