By Zaki Salleh
SLIM RIVER: Ongoing work on the riverbank near the Trolak Bridge has uncovered a concrete block used to obstruct the advance of Japanese troops during the war.
The British Army used the tactic of placing these cylindrical concrete blocks, which were equipped with barbed wire, to block Japanese tanks and vehicle convoys.
Soldiers defending the position would typically launch attacks at this location to delay the Japanese forces.
The discovery of the concrete block was shared by the Malaysian Historical Society (MHG) during a survey of the site, along with cleaning work.
MHG is a non-governmental organization actively involved in the documentation and preservation of Malaysia’s war history.
Shaharom Ahmad, the Chief Researcher and Chairman of MHG, stated that the discovery of the concrete block is significant as it adds to the historical record of the battle.
“We were fortunate when we brought a history researcher from Japan, Jun Shimada, to visit the battle site in Perak.
“While visiting the historic Trolak Bridge, I found a concrete block used by the British Army as an ‘anti-tank roadblock’ in the river, not far from the bridge.
“With the help of contractors working to repair the riverbank, the block was successfully moved and placed near the Slim Battle historical sign in Trolak,” he said.
Shaharom added that they hope more concrete blocks will be discovered in the future.
He further explained that the discovery provides valuable information about the use of concrete blocks in Perak, specifically in Trolak.
“These concrete blocks have been found in Negeri Sembilan and Johor.
“This adds value to the tourism offerings in the Muallim area and to Trolak Town, following the historical Slim Battle sign placed there,” he added.
The Battle of Slim River occurred on January 6, 1942, involving a Japanese infantry regiment with 20 tanks, facing two British and Indian military brigades consisting of 3,200 personnel.
Other war remnants include Japanese memorial stones, the bridge at Trolak, the old road between Trolak and Slim River, and the bridge that the British did not destroy in Kampung Slim.
