National Hero Sia Boon Chee dies at 65

KUALA LUMPUR: National hero Datuk Sia Boon Chee, has passed away at Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (HUKM) today.

Sia, who was a former senior police officer, died at 1.50am due to infection.

He was 65.

His son, Yiren sia, 26, when contacted by NSTP today confirmed on the matter.

“The doctor told us that the cause of death was most likely due to infection.

“He suffered stroke and was on ventilator for more than two weeks. He was admitted at the same hospital since Aug 18.

“The burial ceremony will take place in Kajang on Thursday,” he said.

Federal police Management Department’s (Police Retirement Affairs Division Secretariat) principal assistant director Senior Assistant Commissioner (SAC) Shaharon Anuar Abdul Latif when contacted also confirmed on Sia’s passing.

Sia is survived by his wife Datin Chan Yoon and his only son Yiren Sia, 26.

Meanwhile, former Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Ismail Omar described Sia’s death a huge loss for the country.

“On behalf of the police force, we are very proud of his struggle and fight towards protecting the security and safety of the country.

“He was a figure to all of us because he gave his full commitment to the country,” he said when contacted.

Sia was conferred with the Seri Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa (SP) title by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ahmad Shah.

He was once feared by the communists and was known for his excellent service in the Special Branch for battling against the communists in Perak during a series of operations.

Among them were ‘Op Q’ and ‘Op Keli’ from 1981 to 1983 in the Perak state forest area.

He was one of the individuals who had worked hard to investigate and subsequently captured 43 communists who surrendered their activities in the state.

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