Kunak folks call for tunnel to be preserved
Published on: Monday, August 24, 2015
Kunak: The underground tunnel at Mostyn Estate, near here, has its own historical value and the locals are calling for the tunnel to be preserved by the authorities.The tunnel more commonly known as 'Terowong Jepun' (Japanese Tunnel) used to be a hiding hole for Japanese troops during wartime in the 1940s and it was discovered in the 1960s by hunters.Since then, numerous expeditions were done, especially by estate workers, but none was brave enough to explore deeper as it is too dark and lacks air.
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Even Kunak Assemblyman, Datuk Nilwan Kabang together with other explorers, in 2010, visited the tunnel apart from visiting a structure which was believed to be a Japanese army operations administration office during World War II.Some estate workers found forks and spoons with Japanese writings on them while others claimed to have found pieces of weapons which belonged to the Japanese army.Hence, the residents of Mostyn suggested the Ministry of Tourism and Sabah Museum preserve the historical treasures found in the tunnel."If places like the Japanese tunnel can be developed into a new tourism location in Kunak, it can surely attract visitors both local and foreign as there are tourists who wanted to visit the tunnel but unfortunately did not manage to do so because the route leading to the place uses an estate road belonging to Sime Darby," said Peter, a local here.
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Should such tourism attractions be created, another local, Amin said, the impact would have a spin-off effect on local businesses as well."This is a positive opportunity that should not be wasted," Amin said.
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