Japanese Occupation Of Malaya Essay

CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
Background
Japanese occupation of Malaya was a sequence of short but intense battle and marked a significant change in the rule of the British to the Japanese. This battle involving armies from Commonwealth countries, made up of British, Indian, Australian and Malay residents of the State team versus the Imperial Japanese Army from December 8, 1941 until January 31, 1942 during World War II.
Japanese Invasion of Malaya began when the Japanese army invaded Malaya on December 8, 1941. Japanese Army launched an attack on the northern coast of Malaya at Kota Bharu and started to take down the east coast of Malaya. A battle between the British and Indian troops of the Japanese, just an hour before the attack on Pearl Harbor

The Japanese interested to exploit all natural resources that existed in Malaya such as iron and bauxite mines. The Japan introduced rice rationing as the production of food items is not enough and the Malayan people need to get a coupon from the Food Control Office in exchange for rice. Each family is limited only two bushels of rice per month. The Japanese are also encouraging the local community to grow food such as sweet potatoes, corn, sago, and pepper. The Japanese had cutting down all the rubber plantations and forests in order to grow potatoes, corn, sago, and pepper.
Moving on to social aspect, the Japanese adopted a Japanese policy that applied to the Malayan people. This policy applied to the education system which all schools were compulsory to adopt Japanese education system. The education system emphasizes several aspects such as character formation and discipline of loyalty to the Emperor of Japan. The Malayan people need to adapt Japanese culture and were taught about the ceremony and the Japanese national anthem Kamigayo. The song is sung at every morning while facing the rising

Policy and administration of Japan in Malaya leave negative impacts. The effects were in many aspect whether in the social, political and economic. In political aspect, the Japanese Occupation has raised the political consciousness among the Malays. Slogan of Japan, Asia for Asians increased determination and spirit of the Malays to achieve political freedom and independence. During the Japanese occupation, the Malays were given senior positions such as District Officer. Administrative experience gives confidence to the Malays to govern their own country. The Malays are well aware that they cannot depend on them to the British. They should determine their own