Visitors to Sabah, Malaysia, can now learn more about one of the worst atrocities experienced by Australian servicemen during the Second World War with the new Australian Memorial Hall opening today at the Kundasang Memorial Gardens. Minister for Veterans' Affairs Alan Griffin said more than 2400 Australian and British soldiers died at the Sandakan prisoner of war camp and on the 'death marches' from Sandakan to Ranau in 1945.

"The Australian Government provided around $155,000 for the construction of the Australian Memorial Hall at the Kundasang Memorial Gardens to house an audiovisual display as well as memorabilia and historical material," Mr Griffin said. Additional funding was provided to assist with security at the site. "Although not an official Australian Government memorial, the Kundasang Memorial Gardens honour our prisoners of war and the local people killed trying to assist them."

Officially opened by Her Excellency Penny Williams, Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia, the new gallery and audio-visual centre will add to visitors' understanding of the terrible events in the region during the Second World War and honour the sacrifice of Australian prisoners of war at Sandakan. "The Kundasang Memorial Gardens are regularly visited by locals and tourists including many Australians. Australia and Sabah have a strong relationship and the new hall will give visitors an increased understanding of our shared history," Mr Griffin said.

The funding is provided by the Australian Government's Overseas Privately-Constructed Memorial Restoration Program, administered by the Office of Australian War Graves. The Program provides funding to restore existing memorials outside Australian territory which directly commemorate Australia's military involvement in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations and recognise the contribution of Australian servicemen and women.