Grandfather's Bomb Shelters

Grandfather was a filial son to Great Grandmother. He built a bomb shelter at the back of the rice mill in Binatang for the family after the first Japanese bombs were dropped in Sibu. He had seen how destructive the bombs were - so much damage to properties and so many lives wasted.

From many people, we heard stories about his filial piety and his courage to protect every one in his family.

Because Great Grandmother had bound feet she could not run or even walk fast. When a Japanese air plane was heard coming towards Binatang and bombs were being dropped, grand father would quickly grab the small sized and dainty great grandma and carried her on his back. He would run towards the bomb shelter and quickly placed her there.

He had covered the bomb shelter with layers and layers of rubber sheets between layers of gunny sacks. It was the best he could do. He was determined to save lives and protect his loved ones.

The A6M Japanese Zero


Every one along the Rajang River, especially those living near the towns like Sibu, Binatang and Sarikei had some kind of bomb shelters they could use. The worst bombing was during the first few days of the Japanese occupation when Sibu was badly bombed.

However most elders were able to tell stories that after the first major bombings, Japanese planes only flew around to give warning to the people. When the Allied Army came, more bombs were dropped in various towns along the Rajang Valley.

However although the Japanese and later the Allied planes dropped bombs, none was dropped on the Mee Ann Rice and Sawmill. And although Hua Hong Ice Factory was right opposite the Sibu town, it did not suffer from any bombing. Only the chief mechanic was killed by the gun fire of the Japanese machine gun when the Japanese war boats came up the river from the delta of the Rajang at the beginning of the Japanese Occupation.

My grandfather's investment was quite in tact, protected by his prayers and faith in God.