Preserve WWII pillbox for future generations

PENANG-based youth groups Generasi Penang and Penggerak Komuniti Muda (Peka) cleaned up a World War II pillbox at Permatang Damar Laut, George Town, yesterday.

The historic relic is believed to have been built by the British to guard the southern front of Penang Island during World War II. The pillbox has been left unattended and has partly sunk into the sand and vandalised with spray paint.

The pillbox cleaning programme, in which 30 youth volunteers participated, began at 8am and ended at noon. We had to purchase all the graffiti remover that we could find in hardware shops and through online portals to clear the paint.

Although most of the vandalised sections have been cleared, some spray-painted spots still remain as we ran out of graffiti remover.

We hope the public will stop vandalising this historic structure as it is a part of Penang’s history.

We also urge the relevant authorities and government agencies to preserve the pillbox and build protection around it to prevent further erosion from waves during high tide.

Currently there is no direct access to this structure, which is situated south of the Penang International Airport compound. We hope the authorities will open up an access path so that members of the public interested in history can visit and appreciate this artefact from Penang’s past.

GENERASI PENANG

Committee members: Firdaus Anuar, Ainie Jamil, Tan Jia Yi, Joshua Theng & Teh Kang Ze

PENGGERAK KOMUNITI MUDA (PEKA)

Executive director Joshua Woo & programme manager Hanafi Qasim Ahmad