The Forgotten World War II Airfield: The Case of Morib Airfield

Abstract

The airfield site at Kelanang in Selangor, Malaysia was operated during World War II under the Japanese Occupation. During that time, it was noted for its air force surveillance centre which protected the area from Port Swettenham or previously known as Port Klang to Port Dickson. It also acted as a military logistics that planned and carried out the movement, supply, and maintenance of military forces to sustenance Morib area. Currently, this historical structure and its remains have no longer exist. The area has now been transformed to a palm oil plantation. As time goes by, this airfield has been forgotten and invisible to our young generation. In addition to that, there are lack of literature and studies about the history and its roles during and after World War II. This gap triggers this study on this airfield. Hence, the aim of the present study is to develop a literature review on the airfield. This includes to locate and to map the actual features of the airfield. To achieve this objective, field observation and in-depth interview were conducted. Official documents from the site location owners were obtained, as well as CIO HQ from air command centre in South East Asia Document was compiled to support the existence of the airfield. The findings from this study contribute towards the knowledge of this historical site, roles, and its contributions for the Government and public.