GEORGE TOWN – A historic pillbox dating back to the World War II period in the southern part of Penang island has been given a new lease of life after it was vandalised and sprayed with graffiti by irresponsible, mischief-making parties.
Local youth groups Generasi Penang and Penggerak Komuniti Muda (Peka) took it upon themselves to clean up the abandoned pillbox at Permatang Damar Laut last Sunday.
Peka executive director Joshua Woo said the initiative was undertaken after the pillbox built by the British was found to have been a target of vandalism.
He said the clean-up effort involved 30 volunteers. To remove the graffiti paint, they used paint cleaning spray equipment that they bought themselves.
“Even though most of the paint has been successfully removed, there is still a sticky effect on the fort due to the running down of paint cleaners.
“We hope the public will always be sensitive and stop all vandalism against this historic relic,” he said in a statement today.
Joshua said his party called on the authorities and government agencies to preserve the historic relics and prevent the pillbox from being eroded by sea water.
He added that the pillbox, built as a defence in the south during World War II in the 1940s, is now located close to Penang International Airport, and does not have good access routes.
“Therefore, we also hope that the relevant parties can open the way so that the public can visit this area,” he said.
It is understood that Penang State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy Yeoh Soon Hin will hold a press conference to present a report on the progress of the restoration and conservation of another pillbox in Tanjung Bungah tomorrow – The Vibes, February 8, 2022
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