By Dayangku Hidayatul
KUCHING, July 31: Their bravery spans decades, but their sacrifices are never forgotten, as six Sarawakian recipients of the Panglima Gagah Berani (PGB) medal were honoured at the State-level Warrior’s Day Parade Ceremony 2026 today for their courage and service to the nation.
Officiated by Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar at Dataran Perayaan here in Petra Jaya, the ceremony saw 460 personnel from four detachments, led by Lieutenant Colonel Ferry Shahrul Rizal Roslan, Commanding Officer of the 10th Border Regiment, taking part in the parade.
The six PGB recipients honoured were Warrant Officer I (Retired) Beliang Bali from Simanggang, Sergeant (Retired) Mereng Imang from Baram, Lance Corporal (Retired) Unggek Atin from Kapit, Lance Corporal (Retired) Bajau Ladi from Lundu, Sergeant (Retired) Dajai Anggie from Betong, and Sub-Inspector (Retired) Mohammad Salim from Simanggang.
They were recognised for their acts of bravery during operations against communist terrorists between 1971 and 1976, with their PGB medals awarded between 1971 and 1977.
Held under the theme ‘Honouring Sacrifice, Strengthening Defence’, the contingent was accompanied by a combined drum platoon from the 4th Royal Armoured Corps Regiment, the 13th Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment, and the 20th Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment.
The 20th Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment was accorded the honour of mounting the Main Guard of Honour, accompanied by the Sarawak contingent Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) band.
The ceremony began with the Royal Salute and inspection of the Main Guard of Honour by Wan Junaidi, followed by the singing of ‘Negaraku’, the sounding of the Last Post, a choir performance, a video screening, and a poetry recital.
The Last Post paid tribute to those who had fallen while serving the nation, while the Rouse symbolised the continuation of the responsibility to safeguard the peace inherited from the country’s heroes.
The ceremony concluded with the introduction of the six PGB recipients, followed by the sounding of the Rouse and a prayer recital.
The First Infantry Division of the Malaysian Army called on Malaysians to continue to appreciate the peace enjoyed today by upholding patriotism, unity, and a shared commitment to preserving the nation’s sovereignty.
Meanwhile, the public had the opportunity to view various military assets on display during the ceremony.
Also present at the ceremony were TYT’s wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi; representing the Sarawak Premier was Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mohamad Zainal Abdullah; and First Infantry Division Commander Major General Mohd Sobirin Mohd Yusof. — DayakDaily
