Malaysian Historical Society (MHS) chief researcher and chairman Shaharom Ahmad said the two incidents were among the 16 historical events that happened in Perak during World War II and needed to be marked and remembered.
“Before we put up the signboards, a detailed study involving many parties, including military war diaries as well as local and foreign historians, were conducted. There are studies that have been done for decades to prove the existence of historical relics from the war.
“The war remnants include old forts, military assets, aircraft wreckage, memorial stones and underground tunnels,” he said.
He was speaking after the installation of a signboard at the Sultan Iskandar Bridge, about 50km from Ipoh, on Saturday, also attended by Kuala Kangsar Municipal Council (MPKK) president Zulqarnain Mohamad.
Shaharom said the signboard installed at Kampung Jamuan, among others, displayed important information including photos of the bridge beam that was destroyed by the British army to stop the advance of the Japanese army in 1942.
According to him, the location was also chosen because of the existence of an old fort believed to have been used by the British to monitor the movement of people in and out of Kuala Kangsar and surrounding areas.
He said the installation of the signboard was also part of efforts to save the old fort from being neglected and exposed to vandalism.
“The bridge that was built in 1938 was a strategic location for the Japanese army coming from Thailand to advance to Kuala Lumpur from Kedah.
“After the bombing, the British troops withdrew from the area on Dec 22, 1941. However, they came back after the war ended to repair the damaged bridge so it could be used again,” he said.
On the Battle of Slim River signboard installed a day earlier, Shaharom said it displayed information about the significant event that had led to the defeat of the British in World War II in Malaya, especially in Perak, on Jan 6, 1942.
“About 1,000 fatalities were recorded in the battle while many British army military equipment such as artillery, anti-aircraft artillery, armoured vehicles and trucks were destroyed or confiscated.
The remnants of the war include the Japanese memorial stone, a bridge in Trolak, the old road between Trolak and Slim River and a bridge in Kampung Slim,” he said.
Shaharom also said the MHS planned to install or upgrade information signboards at all 16 World War II-affected locations in the state with the cooperation of local authorities, non-governmental organisations and other parties.
He said that this was due to the growing interest in the country’s historical events among the younger generation.
“For example, netizens will want to know more about postings of historical events that are shared on our Facebook page and they are also excited to visit these areas, in addition to participating in the webinars held.
“Awareness of the nation’s heritage and history must always be increased, especially when Merdeka Day draws close, so that the public does not forget the invaluable sacrifices and services of fallen heroes of the security forces in defending the country,” he said.