The Penang War Museum

Remembering the atrocities of WWII

Goya's The Third of May, 1808

Like other countries during the Second World War, Malaysia (and Penang) suffered greatly. Lives were lost, families were torn apart, homes were razed and food was scarce. For sure, the war left no fond memories for those who suffered through it.

Enter the country's premiere War Museum, located right here in Penang. It is here to tell stories covering all aspects of life in wartime. Its purpose is to encourage the study and understanding of the history of modern war and how it affects our lives and as a memorial to those who died defending the country.

Take a trip back in time and get a first hand account of wartime with the impressive exhibits, including a 'glimpse' into the daily lives of soldiers during WWII.

Situated on Bukit Batu Maung, the 70 year-old old former British fort was 'rediscovered' by Johari Shafie during an adventurous and brave hike. Because the hill was reputed to be haunted, it was avoided by everyone except the brave and the skeptical. But this is a good thing for the museum because it provides an excellent ambience to the scenario. With a little imagination, one could even imagine hearing the phantom screams of soldiers brutally tortured and killed here.
To add a further touch of realism to wartime ambience, the War Museum plans to hold war games where opposite teams will be armed with paint gun to shoot paint balls at their 'enemies' while trying to steal their flags.

According to Johari the fort was manned by soldiers of different races - English, Indians and Malays mostly. When the fort fell to Japanese hands, parts of it were turned into torture chambers where executions took place.

The parts of the fort that have been restored so far are the aforementioned torture chamber, medical infirmary, ammunition store, observation tower, canon firing bay, well, generator room, quarters, pill boxes, tunnels, lock up and cook house.

A forthcoming addition to the museum will feature exhibitions and information on naval warfare.
My mother visited the museum last year and she described the place as a little "creepy" although she appeared visibly excited by the experience. Having been a war child herself and then going through the May 13 incident as an adult, the museum must have suddenly reawakened memories of suffering.

Although the Penang War Museum will play a significant role in educating visitors of all ages about life during wartime, one could do well to also recall Picasso's Guernica, Goya's The Third of May or Ibrahim Hussein's May 13 and remind oneself that there is no glory in war.
Thankfully today, Malaysia is a strife-free country. We can go about our business with little or no worry. Be that as it may, the museum will serve to continually remind us, lest we forget or take for granted, of the importance of maintaining peace in the country.

When visitng the museum, you are advised not to do the following: take any photographs of the exterior or the interior; bring pets, radios or bicycles into the museum or smoke. You should dress in light, cool clothing; wear comfy shoes; put on a dull coloured hat and be armed with a pair of binoculars, insect repellent, notebook and pen.