via New Straits Times, 22 May 2023: Heritage experts in Malaysia are urging coordinated efforts from enforcement authorities to protect World War II relics in Malaysian waters, emphasizing the need for a “rescue mission” to salvage wrecks such as HMS Repulse and HMS Prince of Wales before they are destroyed by illegal salvagers, highlighting the historical significance of these artifacts and the importance of enforcing the National Heritage Act 2005 to prosecute those involved in theft from cultural heritage sites.
Heritage experts believe that the responsibility of safeguarding World War 2 relics in Malaysian waters should not rest solely with the National Heritage Department and requires a coordinated effort from enforcement authorities.
They also called for the authorities to mount a “rescue mission” to salvage the wrecks of the HMS Repulse and HMS Prince of Wales before they were torn apart by illegal salvagers.
Mesran Mohd Yusop, a former National Heritage Department director-general and commissioner, said in the case of the relics of the Repulse and Prince of Wales, these vessels must be protected as they often helped to connect the dots in history and told stories of the past.
Source: Save the wrecks before it is too late, warn heritage experts
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