KUCHING: Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mancha Ata, along with Deputy Commissioner Datuk Ibrahim Darus, paid tribute to the passing of national hero Corporal Etim Jam, highlighting him as an inspiration to all.
Etin Jam was a native of Lubok Antu, Sarawak, and began his service as a Police Constable on February 27, 1963, at Battalion 18 of the Police Field Force (PPH) Miri. He passed away at the Miri General Hospital on this morning (June 4) due to lung cancer.
“Recalling the events that took place on April 29, 1972, Etim, who was then a Constable at Camp Battalion 18 PPH Miri, along with four other members including a Corporal, were escorting a Public Works Department (JKR) lorry carrying explosives for stone crushing.
“While passing through a winding road still covered by thick forest from KM 30 to KM 43 Jalan Ulu Oya, Mukah, he began to feel uneasy. They were ambushed by a group of communist terrorists and a shootout ensued.
“Disregarding their own lives and safety, he and Sub Inspector Ngalinuh Bala, who was a Corporal at the time, jumped out of their hiding place and charged into the enemy’s stronghold, where he succeeded in killing one of the communist terrorists.
Realising the bravery and fighting spirit of the security personnel, the communist terrorists became afraid and fled,” Mancha said in a posting on the Sarawak Police official Facebook page.
He added that the name of Corporal (Ret.) Etim Ak Jam, is etched as a hero who was willing to fight for dignity, race and nation.
“His sacrifice and courage were recognised when he was awarded the Seri Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa (SP) Medal of Honor by His Majesty the Fifth Yang di-Pertuan Agong on July 6, 1972,” Mancha stated.
All members of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) Sarawak Contingent, offered their condolences on his demise today.
Meanwhile, Minister of Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom also expressed his deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the late Etim’s family.
“His bravery, fighting spirit, and loyalty to our nation will remain the pride of Malaysians, particularly Sarawakians. We will cherish the sacrifice of our “Bujang Berani” and may the almighty Lord bless his soul and may his soul rest in peace,” Dr Rundi said.
