PVATM Traces 39 Graves Of Malaysian Soldiers Killed In Fight Against Communist

“Historical records show that 1,529 members of the national security forces, including police personnel, were killed during the First and Second Emergencies. However, the lack of complete information, particularly on military personnel, has made it difficult for us to trace all of them.

“The JPP programme is aimed at honouring the sacrifices of those who gave their lives fighting communist terrorists. Identified graves are being upgraded by installing new tombstones, stainless steel fences, and signboards,” he said.

He was met by ld Bernama after visiting the grave of the late Ranger Wan Hassan Idris at the Tok Gong Islamic Cemetery in Kampung New, here.

Also present was Hulu Besut assemblyman Husaimi Hussin, who is a relative of the late Wan Hassan.

Saharudin said some of the graves were in poor condition, and many villagers were unaware that they were the resting places of national heroes.

“There are many soldiers who were killed but never received bravery medals. This initiative is one way for PVATM to show appreciation while also educating the local community, especially the young generation, that the peace they enjoy today is the result of the sacrifices of these soldiers. In fact, many of the heroes are buried in their own villages,” he said.

Earlier, Saharudin also visited the grave of another independence fighter, the late Corporal Salleh Embong, at the Kampung Air Tawar Islamic Cemetery.

He added that in Terengganu, PVATM has so far identified two graves of fallen heroes — Wan Hassan and Salleh — both from the Seventh Battalion of the Royal Ranger Regiment (RRD).

“They were killed along with 13 others in an ambush by terrorists from the North Kalimantan Communist Party (PKKU) on Jalan Lundu-Biawak, Sarawak, on March 26, 1972,” he said.

To ensure the success of the JPP programme, Saharudin called on the next of kin of fallen fighters to share any available information with PVATM for follow-up action.

-- BERNAMA