via The Star, 12 July 2022: A World War II-era pillbox in Penang is slowly being lost to sea erosion.
With each wave that pounds against the coast of Permatang Damar Laut, the clock is ticking on the last standing World War II pillbox in the area.
Erosion is slowly taking its toll on the structure on the beach.
Standing slightly over two storeys high, the concrete defence structure has two main chambers at the lower level with openings facing the sea, while small square holes above provide ventilation.
The upper level is a lookout point, with an attachment for weapons, which stands between both chambers. It is accessible by a narrow ladder made out of iron rods.
Local historian Clement Liang, 60, said the pillbox was built by the British in the 1940s during World War II, possibly to defend against Japanese forces from the south.
