PAPAN

Papan, in Perak, is one of Malaysia's oldest and smallest towns. Part of its charm is that half of the town lies in ruins. It is almost a ghost town, yet many of the buildings are still occupied. And No 74 Main Street, Papan, must be one of the most famous addresses in Perak. It was from this building that during the Japanese Occupation, Sybil Kathigasu and her doctor husband, Dr. A.C. Kathigasu (who was of Ceylonese descent) ran a clinic. They gave medical aid to the Malayan People Anti-Japanese Army (MPAJA) and Force 136 operatives, who were hiding in the hills of Papan. Sybil was arrested and tortured by the Japanese, and eventually died from the wounds she suffered as a prisoner of war. Sybil, a Eurasian, was the only civilian Malayan woman ever awarded the George Medal for bravery.

Sybil was buried at St Michaels Catholic Church in Ipoh, see photos of her grave.

Law Siak Hong, the custodian of No 74

outside toilets

This is the contraversial Papan dump

Papan herb garden -

© Liz Price
No reproduction without permission