KUANTAN: Heritage experts believe that the responsibility of safeguarding World War 2 relics in Malaysian waters should not rest solely with the National Heritage Department and requires a coordinated effort from enforcement authorities.
They also called for the authorities to mount a "rescue mission" to salvage the wrecks of the HMS Repulse and HMS Prince of Wales before they were torn apart by illegal salvagers.
Mesran Mohd Yusop, a former National Heritage Department director-general and commissioner, said in the case of the relics of the Repulse and Prince of Wales, these vessels must be protected as they often helped to connect the dots in history and told stories of the past.
"If it is true that illegal salvage operators are back to steal items (from the shipwrecks), then it's possible that one day, these shipwrecks will be wiped out.
"This should not happen as there are provisions under the National Heritage Act 2005 to prosecute those found to have stolen materials from areas gazetted as cultural heritage sites in Malaysian waters.
"Joint efforts by the enforcement agencies, along with the National Heritage Department, are required in terms of sea patrols, aerial monitoring and prosecuting the offenders.
"Stern action against illegal salvage operators will instil fear in others targeting shipwrecks in the country," he told the New Straits Times.
Mesran said the community must also serve as the eyes and ears of the authorities and even the smallest suspicion (of illegal salvage activities) had to be reported.
Former Museums Department director-general Datuk Ibrahim Ismail said the National Heritage Department should launch a mission to "rescue" the remaining parts, such as anchors, hull parts, propellers or cannons, from Prince of Wales and Repulse.
"I am not sure what is left behind, but since the damage is intensifying, why not try to salvage it and put it in a museum, maybe in Pahang or Kuala Lumpur?
"These shipwrecks have rich historical significance, so action must be taken.
"We cannot abandon them, especially after the series of worrying damage.
"For example, Sungai Lembing in Pahang was famous for mining.
"The Sungai Lembing Museum has mining paraphernalia used in the past for underground mining.
"Visitors comprise not just locals but also family members of former miners, including those from abroad.
"The same can be done for these shipwrecks. I am sure it will gain attention.
"It is sad that the scavengers are targeting scrap metal from these history-rich artifacts. Act now before it is too late."
A dive centre operator, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said there was a time when shipwreck sites that had heritage value would draw a large number of tourists, who would go on "live aboard" diving cruises.
"Ten years on, the shipwrecks in Pahang waters were being blown apart, leaving the future of recreational wreck diving uncertain.
"It's possible that in the future, there will be nothing left behind for divers to explore.
"In the past, the next of kin of the crewmen of the warships would travel from the United Kingdom to visit the site in Pahang to perform simple rituals, such as laying flowers in memory of their loved ones."
It is learned that the National Heritage Department's jurisdiction of territorial waters covered only up to 12 nautical miles.
The warships are located 47 nautical miles off the coast.
It was reported that scavengers had removed the massive propellers of Repulse and Prince of Wales, which sank a few kilometres from each other.