BATU PAHAT: Johor police Bomb Disposal Unit (BDU) detonated an old bomb discovered by workers in an oil palm plantation near Bukit Jintan in Air Hitam here, yesterday.
The BDU officers destroyed the unexploded ordnance (UXO), believed to be an Aerial 500lbs in a controlled denotation at 1pm.
They utilised a low-order method employing the Vulcan Shape Charge technique.
The technique consists of the use of a kit where a small Vulcan-shaped explosive charged projectile is fired on the target.
The bomb was found by the workers carrying out routine maintenance work.
Meanwhile, history enthusiast Azlan Sharif lodged a police report after he was alerted by the plantation workers of the bomb.
He said in the Battlefield Study Guide: Malaya Campaign 1941-42, it was documented that the "Battle of Air Hitam" occurred near the area where the bomb was found.
"Given these historical references and the potential significance to the wartime heritage, I took the liberty to file a police report.
"The report can be used as a referral for the district officer, the National Heritage Department, Yayasan Warisan Johor, and other relevant authorities.
"This discovery is linked to our historical wartime heritage, thus swift action and investigation from the concerned authorities should be taken to ensure the preservation and understanding of our national history," he said.
He said aerial operations were also carried out during the state of emergency between 1948 and 1960 in the vicinity.
"Given the historical connection to Air Hitam, the National Heritage Department and Yayasan Warisan Johor should conduct in-depth research.
"Research and due recognition should be given, as men lost their lives while they fought for the country and upheld its sovereignty," he said.
He also suggested for a gallery to be established to exhibit the detonated bombs, to create awareness while strengthening patriotism.