Bank Kerapu War Museum
Kelantan
Bank Kerapu War Museum is a historically significant building located in Kota Bharu, Kelantan. Constructed in 1912, it was the first bank established in Kelantan, originally serving as The Mercantile Bank of India Ltd. The building is notable for being the first in Kelantan constructed with stone, with a distinctive rough surface due to small bricks cemented onto parts of its exterior, earning it the local name 'Bank Kerapu'. During World War II, it was repurposed by the Japanese secret police, Kempai Tai, as their headquarters, prison, and interrogation center, where acts of violence occurred. After the war, the building resumed its banking function and later housed the Kelantan Arts and Handicraft Gallery. Since 1992, it has served as a memorial dedicated to World War II, displaying over 1,000 exhibits including photographs, artifacts, and articles related to the war, the Kelantan-Thai relations before Malayan independence, and British life in Kelantan during and after the war. Among the exhibits is a bicycle used by Japanese troops during their entry into Kota Bharu. The museum offers a unique glimpse into Kelantan's wartime history and cultural heritage.
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Consiglio: The best time to visit is during daylight hours to fully explore the extensive exhibits. Advance ticket purchase is generally not required, but checking opening hours by phone is advisable. Visitors may benefit from guided tours if available to gain deeper historical insights. No specific discounts are noted, but students or seniors may inquire locally.
Fatti interessanti
- •Bank Kerapu was the first bank established in Kelantan in 1912.
- •The building is Kelantan's first stone structure, with a unique rough brick exterior.
- •During WWII, it served as the Japanese secret police headquarters and prison.
- •The museum houses over 1,000 war-related exhibits, including a bicycle used by Japanese troops.
- •It also displays photos of Sultan Ismail Petra as Honorary Colonel of the Royal Artillery Regiment.
Storia
Built in 1912 on land owned by local leader Nik Yusoff bin Nik Abdul Majid, Bank Kerapu was Kelantan's first stone building and its first bank.
During World War II, it was commandeered by the Japanese secret police as their headquarters and prison.
Following Japan's surrender, the building returned to banking use, later becoming an arts and crafts gallery in 1981.
In 1992, it was converted into a World War II memorial museum, preserving Kelantan's wartime history and artifacts.
Guida del luogo
Main Exhibition Hall1992 (museum establishment)
Features over 1,000 artifacts related to World War II, including photographs, documents, and military equipment that tell the story of Kelantan during the war.
Japanese Secret Police Headquarters1941-1945
The area used by Kempai Tai during WWII for interrogation and detention, illustrating the harsh conditions and events during the Japanese occupation.
Historic Building Architecture1912
The building itself is a rare example of early 20th-century stone construction in Kelantan, known for its rough textured brick exterior.
Contatto
Telefono: 09-748 2266