MIRI: Sarawak’s Etim Jam, the last of the six recipients of Malaysia’s highest honour – the Seri Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa (SP) medal – died today at 6.49 am at Miri Hospital after a prolonged battle with lung cancer.
He was 83.
The ex-Police Field Force (now General Operations Force) soldier, who was admitted to the hospital on May 28, had been suffering from lung disease for several years, with his condition deteriorating over the past week.
Diagnosed with lung cancer three years ago, the disease had spread to other organs.
Etim leaves behind daughters Linda Nacha, 57; Nur Mila, 56; Lily, 48; and nine grandchildren (six granddaughters and three grandsons).
His third daughter, Julia, predeceased him.
Reflecting on her father’s legacy, Linda — Etim’s eldest daughter — said her father had always been dedicated to defending the country.
She said the family is awaiting for the state government’s approval to bury him in the Heroes’ Grave in Kuching.
“If approved, a wake ceremony will be held in Miri first before my father’s body is brought to Kuching for burial,” she said at their residence in Spring Riam, here.
An Iban native from Lubok Antu, Simanggang, Etim had a distinguished career in the police force, marked by his exceptional bravery.
He was most remembered for an incident on April 27, 1972, when he and his fellow officers were ambushed by communist insurgents while escorting a convoy carrying explosives for the Public Works Department in Jalan Ulu Oya, Sibu.
Despite being heavily outnumbered, Etim and his comrades defended the convoy for nearly four hours until reinforcements arrived, ultimately overcoming the attackers.
For his extraordinary heroism during the ambush, Etim was awarded the SP medal on July 6, 1972, by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
His valiant actions that day not only secured the lives of his comrades but also solidified his place as a national hero.
Born on December 31, 1940, Etim began his service in the Police Field Force on Feb 27, 1963.
He steadily rose through the ranks, becoming a lance corporal in 1985 and a corporal in 1995, before retiring on Dec 31, 1995.
Following the death of his wife, Singgah Inggat, in 2017, Etim lived with his eldest daughter. His passing marks the end of an era for the SP recipients from Sarawak, each of whom played pivotal roles in Malaysia’s history.
The nation mourns the loss of a true hero, whose legacy of courage and dedication to duty will continue to inspire future generations.
