Alor Setar Old Iron Railway Bridge A Potential Tourist Attraction For TMK 2025

ALOR SETAR, Jan 10 (Bernama) -- The Alor Setar Old Iron Railway Bridge, which is almost 110 years old, is seen to have the potential to become an iconic destination to attract tourists to the city, particularly in conjunction with this year's Visit Kedah Year (TMK).

Malayan Historical Group (MHG) chairman Shaharom Ahmad said the bridge, built during British rule in 1915, has its own historical value that needs to be shared with the public, especially the younger generation.

"This bridge is unique as it is a silent witness to the battles of the Second World War and the end of the Battle of Jitra, where the British army was forced to retreat after losing badly in Jitra.

"It also has battle scars, such as bullet marks and damage from being blown up by the British troops as they retreated after fighting the Japanese,” he told Bernama recently.

He added that the bridge's historical value, unique colonial-era architecture and structure that is still solid should be utilised to promote it as a tourist attraction.

As such, he hopes that the local authorities or the state government could breathe new life into the bridge by adding safety features and promoting it as a new tourism destination.

"Currently, this area already has a recreational site for the public, but not many people converge here probably due to a lack of promotion. There is a need for more signages so that people will flock to this area,” he said.

Shaharom said the MGF is also ready to collaborate with the agencies involved to upgrade the safety features and install signages at the bridge.

-- BERNAMA