PART of a secret tunnel, believed to be centuries old, stretching from Bukit Nanas to the Klang river bank has been found.

The discovery of the 10-metre tunnel, used to store weapons, food and treasures, was made six months ago by a contractor hired by Kuala Lumpur City Hall during works to rectify a collapsed slope.

The finding was kept under wraps until last night.

“We believe the tunnel is part of a labyrinth of underground tunnels that had disappeared over time and development in the area,” said City Hall civil engineering and drainage department director Tan Kheng Chok.

Tan said the Mandahiling community used the narrow tunnel as an escape passage during Klang or Selangor Civil War in 1868 and 1871.

“It would be turned into a tourist attraction,” he said.

Tan said the hill slope collapsed on May 2013 but rectification work did not take place until six months ago.

The Mandahiling community populated the hill, known as Bukit Gombak initially, in the mid 19th century. It housed Godang Palace owned by Tuanku Raja Asal or Ja Asai at its peak.

During the Klang war, the Mandahiling people planted many pineapples there, hence the name Bukit Nanas now, and dug secret tunnels used to store weapons, food and treasures.

The tunnels were also used as strategic posts and escape routes for the Mandahiling to launch surprise attacks or escape from their enemies.



