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© 2004 Sven Hafner, All Rights Reserved.
Caption
This bridge was once crossing the river Sungei Muar near the town of Buloh Kasap, Segamat, in the Johor state in Malaysia. During the Japanese Invasion (1941-1945) in Malaysia, the Japanese troops continously forced the British troops more southwards. In January 1942, the British gave up Kuala Lumpur and the line of defence was established in north Johor. Between the 19th and 29th January 1942, this line collapsed and theBritish troops were forced to retire to Singapore. The British troops destroyed the bridge in order to stop the Japanesr troops from moving southwards.By 31st January, whole Malaysia was controlled by the Japanese. In February 1942, the order for an unconditional surrender of the Allied Forces was given.
The population of Malaysia and Singapore suffered from the ocupation because of the cruel terror that was brought on them.
The Japanese surrendered on 12th September 1945 in Singapore.
Today, the rest of the bridge on both sides of the river is one of the few historical sites in that area.
Going down the Malaysian peninsula southwards crossing the causeway you come to Singapore, the southernmost point in South East Asia that you can reach by land. See the only suspension bridge in Singapore here.