BARIO: The Kelabit community has a proud history of service and sacrifice in defending Malaysia, with over 300 of them having served in the army, police, or Border Scouts, making up approximately five per cent of the total Kelabit population.
Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration, and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala paid tribute to these “unsung heroes” during the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Z Force parachute landing here on Tuesday (March 25).
Among those honoured was the late Sub-Inspector Ngelinuh Bala, one of the few Malaysian army personnel awarded the nation’s highest military honour, the Sri Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa (SP), for his exceptional heroism in the battle against communist insurgents in Sibu.
“For those of us who were not alive to witness the event 80 years ago, let us remember its significance. Our forefathers fought alongside Z Force to liberate our country from occupation, believing in the protection of freedom and peace. They were prepared to sacrifice their lives for future generations,” said Gerawat.
He highlighted the Kelabit people’s resilience and unity, crediting these values for their ability to thrive despite the challenges of living in a remote and demanding environment.
Gerawat also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to preserving heritage sites, recognising their role in both historical remembrance and tourism development.
“We are grateful to Miri City Council (MCC) for collaborating with Rurum Kelabit Sarawak (RKS) in organising this annual event.
“I hope MCC can assist in maintaining and upgrading this memorial site, expanding the area, and enhancing the landscape. This could transform the site into a proper park for recreational activities for the local community, visitors, and tourists,” he said.
To date, Gerawat has contributed RM120,000 towards the restoration of the monument, including upgrades to fencing and the surrounding concrete area.
“I hope that by attending this ceremony, each of you will appreciate the significance of Z Force’s landing 80 years ago and share its importance with future generations. Today reminds us of the value of our freedom, peace, and progress,” he added.
Gerawat noted that the Kelabit people remain deeply grateful to the members of Z Force for initiating Sarawak’s liberation from Japanese occupation, beginning in Bario.
“The arrival of Z Force not only marked the start of liberation but also introduced the modern world to the Kelabit community. Their exposure to Western military strategies and technology broadened their horizons, opening up new possibilities that they had never envisaged before. The late Tom Harrisson wrote about this in his book The World Within,” he said.
This year marks the 11th commemoration of the Z Force landing, an event attended by descendants of the original eight paratroopers. Jack Tredrea, the last surviving member of Z Force, participated in four anniversaries before passing away in 2017 at the age of 97.
In his book Special Z Force, Tredrea described how the team of eight paratroopers leapt from two aircraft into the clouds, catching only brief glimpses of the land below as they sought a break in the cloud cover for their drop.
“For the people of Bario Lembaa, it was a moment of awe and amazement, which quickly turned into fear and panic as they saw human figures descending from parachutes. Some believed it was a visitation from heaven,” Gerawat recounted.
Reflecting on the strategic decision to use Bario as the Z Force drop zone, Gerawat pondered: “Why was Bario chosen over other remote villages such as Ba’ Kelalan, Lio Mato, or Belaga? Was it due to its remoteness, making it a safer spot? Or did Z Force have confidence that the Kelabit people could be trusted with their top-secret mission?
“While the answer remains unknown, what is clear is that the entire Kelabit community stood firmly behind Z Force in their fight against the occupiers.”
The event was attended by a distinguished delegation, including Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries, and Performing Arts, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, along with Dato Dr Philip Raja, organising chairman and President of Rurum Kelabit Sarawak.
Also present were Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia Danielle Heinecke, Defence Adviser Colonel Corey Shillabeer, New Zealand High Commissioner Mike Walsh, British Deputy High Commissioner Tom Shepherd, and representatives from the Australian Special Operations Command and Australian Army Research Centre.
