Section 33: Revisiting Historical Memories

In the 1950s, Bahau was in a turbulent period as the British Army imposed strict measures to deter rubber tappers from aiding the communist insurgency. They restricted the time rubber tappers could go out to tap rubber and rigorously inspected their food supplies.

These checkpoints were set up near the present-day BP petrol station, and every rubber tapper had to undergo inspection. The British soldiers even went to the extent of checking under the hats of the rubber tappers before allowing them to pass. This stringent scrutiny placed the rubber tappers under the shadow of white terror. On one hand, they feared being accused by the communists of incompetence in helping them find food, which could result in punishment. On the other hand, they worried about being labeled as aiding communist sympathizers and getting arrested. For those who lived through this period of history, the impressions of such a life remain deeply ingrained.

However, children born after the 1980s might not fully comprehend that the area in front of the BP petrol station was once a lively gathering spot for rubber tappers. During those times, rubber tappers would assemble around the station to buy pastries, exchange news, and share bits of their lives. Today, this place has become part of history, but the tireless efforts of the rubber tappers during those challenging years are still worth remembering. They toiled silently during the era of white terror, making significant contributions to the development of Bahau.

Revisiting Historical Memories: Bahau Chi Wen School (Selangor and Kuala Lumpur) Alumni Association Captures the Story of BP Petrol Station in the 1950s

In the mid-1980s, there were no more rubber tappers in sight at the BP petrol station, and no hawkers selling pastries. This period of history had become a memory. Going back in time, the BP petrol station, once bustling with rubber tappers, was their gathering place. Early in the morning, the rubber tappers, clad in their work attire, would gather here to purchase pastries and breakfast, exchange experiences, and share snippets of their lives. However, today, this place has become part of history, and the presence of rubber tappers has disappeared into the river of time.

In order to prevent this precious history from fading into oblivion, the Chairperson of the Selangor & Bahau Chi Wen Alumni Association, Madam Ho Moi Moi (何玫䓺), initiated a photography project. Alumni members gathered at the BP petrol station and used their cameras to document the changes and history of this place. With every click of the shutter, it felt as if we were traveling through time, witnessing the past struggles. These photographs are not just a nostalgic remembrance of the past but also a tribute to the silent dedication of the rubber tappers. Their hard work laid a solid foundation for Bahau's development, and their sacrifices and contributions should be passed down through generations.

Through this photography project by the Bahau Chi Wen (Selangor and Kuala Lumpur) Alumni Association, alumni members felt the weight of history and the responsibility of heritage preservation. They are determined to preserve these precious photos, share them through exhibitions, and let more people understand and remember this piece of history. Moreover, they hope that this initiative will raise awareness about the importance of preserving history and cultural heritage.