Are there one or two fighter plane relics in Sarawak?

The Star's report on the Japanese fighter plane found near the Sabah-Sarawak border in Lawas.

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, Oct 1: Recent media reports have indicated that there is a decaying relic of a Japanese “Zero” fighter plane believed to date back to World War II, laying near the Sabah-Sarawak border in Lawas.

News outlet The Star cited locals at Kampung Pa Puti, who heard the tales from their elders, stating that the plane was initially on fire and made an emergency landing in the area before seeing two pilots escaping the plane.

The relic was initially well-preserved but some parts have been removed or deteriorated over time.

The “Zero”, as it is popularly known, is a Mitsubishi A6M carrier-based fighter plane that was feared during the early days of World War II, and was infamous for its high maneuverability and astonishing effectiveness against older Allied fighter planes.

On Sunday (Sept 29), Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew reportedly said that she had instructed the Sabah Museum Department to investigate the relic before any decisions are made.

Abdul Karim rings the gong to launch the WAK 2024: Call of The Tribes at Kuching Waterfront on Oct 1, 2024.

Today, the Sarawak media attempted to get comments from Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah on the matter.

While stating that he would instruct the Sarawak Museum Department to conduct a study on the fighter plane, he revealed that there is another aircraft relic laying inside a village near Lawas.

“We actually have discovered two (relics); one at the border and another inside a village near Lawas.

“The one laying at the village is an American aircraft if I am not mistaken, which was also used during the war and crashed in Lawas,” he told reporters after the launching of ‘What About Kuching (WAK) 2024: Call of The Tribes’ at Old Court House here today.

Asked whether there are any studies being carried out so far, he replied in the negative.

“At the moment, there is none. However, we will look into this matter and I will wait for the report from the Sarawak Museum Department,” he added. — DayakDaily