By: Zaki Salleh
KAMPAR: Efforts to preserve the nation’s historical heritage have been strengthened through a site visit and the collection of historical records at the Battle of Kampar sites by a delegation from the Perak State branch of the National Archives of Malaysia (ANM).
The Founder and Chairman of the Malaya Historical Group (MHG), Shaharom Ahmad, said the visit was aimed at documenting historical facts for archival reference and future generations.
Also present were Perak State ANM Director Shahida Mohamed Salah, along with representatives from the Kampar District and Land Office.
The delegation toured several key sites of the Battle of Kampar, where they were given detailed briefings on the history and significance of the battle.
Shaharom said such documentation efforts are essential to ensure that the nation’s historical legacy is preserved for future generations.
The Battle of Kampar, fought from 30 December 1941 to 2 January 1942, was one of the fiercest battles in Malaya during the Second World War.
During the battle, approximately 1,500 Allied troops successfully held off an advancing force of around 4,000 Japanese troops for four days.
The fighting took place across strategically important high ground, including Green Ridge, Thompson Ridge, and Bomba Hill in the Kampar area.
Although the Allied forces were eventually forced to withdraw due to dwindling ammunition supplies and the threat of encirclement, their courage and determination significantly delayed the Japanese advance into southern Malaya.
