Penang War Museum, A Historical Monument

The Penang War Museum is housed in an actual war fortress with a legacy that stretches back to the 1930s. It is situated to the southeast of the island of Penang, on Batu Maung Hill. The British colonizers constructed the fortress as a fortification protecting the region from invasion by hostile forces. The expansive 20 acre compound commands spectacular views of the Straits of Melaka and the surrounding environs. The fortress' actual construction was undertaken by the British Royal Engineers who directed the workforce of the region in the endeavour. The meticulously constructed fortress possesses the characteristic aspects of a fortification of the period including bunkers for ammunition and subterranean tunnels. The storage space for ammunition is situated 9 metres beneath the surface of the ground and is fortified with a massive stone wall to survive the heaviest enemy attack.


 Also observable for visitors are cannon firing platforms, kitchens, a logistics centre, a medical centre and sleeping quarters. A particularly unusual feature are the subterranean tunnels that stretch right up to the Straits of Melaka for accessibility to submarines. After the completion of the construction of the fort it was occupied by British, Malay and Sikh soldiers. At the time of World War II the fort came under heavy attack by the Japanese and succumbed to the forces of the Rising Sun. The fortress was utilized as a military base by the Japanese and sadly became the site for the interrogation, torture and execution of many prisoners Due to this horrific past as a centre of military atrocities, the building was abandoned after the end of hostilities in 1945. It was only 30 years later that Johari Shafie took the initiative to transform the site into a War Museum. Today the museum is a fascinating site where visitors may gain a genuine insight into the conduct of warfare, and the history, military equipment, culture and mode of life of the individuals who occupied the fort in years past. It is particularly interesting for those interested in getting an understanding of the history of Malaysia.