SANDAKAN: Sabah would always be the place of remembrance for family and relatives of the fallen prisoners of war, said state Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
In the mid-1942, he said more than 2,000 Australian- and British-allied soldiers, as well as many civilians, perished in the Sandakan Prisoner of War Camp.
He said those chosen were the fit ones selected to transfer goods on foot, deep into the intense Bornean jungles and all the way to Ranau, more than 260km away.
With supplies up to 25kg each, they walked through rain and humid weather, and in the treacherous journey, many succumbed to illnesses. Of the 1,066, only six survived to tell this tale.
"I am humbled that every year, many of you (family members of the fallen) make your way to this solemn ceremony to honour and remember the more than 2,000 brave Australian- and British-allied soldiers, including many civilians, who perished in the Sandakan Prisoner of War Camp.
"As we remember the prisoners of war, we also remember the local civilians, who took the risk and lost their lives in helping these allied soldiers. Let us honour them as heroes," he said at the Sandakan Memorial Day here today.
His speech was delivered by Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
As this year marked the 79th anniversary of the end of the First World War, Hajiji said the loss of abled men lives on in the minds of family members.
"Holding this date in remembrance has fostered a resonance between Australia, Britain, and Sabah. Sabah, and specifically Sandakan, will always welcome you and your families."
He commended the Sandakan Municipal Council, Sabah Tourism Board, and the Organising Committee for their continued dedication to honouring these fallen men and keeping their stories alive.
"Special thanks to the Office of Australian War Graves and the Australian and British High Commissions Malaysia for your continuous support in ensuring this part of history is remembered and commemorated. May we continue to remember this shared history of our nations here in Sandakan."