TAWAU: Each generation in Tawau has a different perspective when they talk about the formation of Malaysia 58 years ago.
Former Tawau district chief Kee Mohd Ayub Kee Abu Bakar, 72, said Malaysia Day which is celebrated every year to commemorate the establishment of Malaysia, reminded him of the struggle of the older generation who wanted to change the lives of people in Sabah for the better.
"I was 14 years old when I heard via the radio the announcement of the establishment of Malaysia after Malaya, Sarawak, Sabah and Singapore formed a federation on Sept 16, 1963, which has brought many positive impacts to the district, especially in terms of economy and security.
"If anyone says that we are still backward, it is wrong. I used to cycle to my school, namely St. Patrick's School from Jalan Utara and all I saw was rubber trees along the road. After 58 years, Tawau has become a place that is known as the education hub for the east coast (of Sabah)," he told Bernama here.
In terms of security, Kee Mohd Ayub said during the Indonesian confrontation which had also affected Tawau and Pulau Sebatik, hundreds of security personnel from Malaya were deployed to ensure security in the district.
"The Gurkha soldiers were dispatched to Tawau and Pulau Sebatik while the 3rd battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment personnel were deployed to Kalabakan which sparked clashes between security forces and the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) on Dec 29, 1963," he said.
For Abd Mansah Abdul Samad, 44, Malaysia Day reminded him of the sacrifices of the security forces and his late father Abdul Samad Piatu as a Home Guard personnel who served during the Kalabakan confrontation.
"Only family members and the older generation of Kampung Kalabakan know their story, my father also fought with the army and police against the TNI when the confrontation took place. My father told me that he as well as six other friends and a policeman were at the Kalabakan police station when they were ambushed by the TNI.
"Without the Home Guard, the Kalabakan Police Station might have fallen to the enemy. My father was willing to risk his life to take the ammunitions stored in the police station though it was raining with bullets. It was indeed a huge sacrifice by my father," he said.
Abdul Mansah said Sabah has achieved progress and development since the formation of Malaysia 58 years ago.
He said various facilities have been provided to the people in remote areas like Kalabakan and the surrounding areas, such as paved roads as well as water and 24-hour electricity supply.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Tawau Maritime Zone deputy director commander Amiludin Yenggah said Malaysia Day has always been a struggle for him to provide security to the maritime community in Tawau by ensuring 24-hour monitoring and control of the district's waters.
"I hope all Tawau MMEA personnel will be given the strength to face the various challenges in carrying out their duties, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We not only have to face the entry of illegal immigrants in Tawau waters but also the spread of COVID-19 and so far, 25 Tawau Maritime Zone personnel had tested positive for COVID-19 througout the implementation of the Op Cegah PATI (OCP)," he said.
Tawau Health Clinic medical officer Dr Nurshazrah Najwa Zaini said she was optimistic that the Malaysian family would soon be freed from COVID-19 through the implementation of the COVID-19 National Immunisation Programme.
"We have been battling for almost two years now. Healthcare workers have sacrificed their energy and time to ensure that those infected with this deadly virus get the best treatment.
"Through the vaccination programme, healthcare workers had to travel to remote villages in Tawau and Kalabakan just to ensure that all residents will be vaccinated immediately," she said.
Pulau Sebatik has become the first area in Tawau to achieve herd immunity with the number of COVID-19 vaccine recipients reaching 98 per cent.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Wed Sep 15 2021
Kee said Malaysia Day which is celebrated every year to commemorate the establishment of Malaysia, reminded him of the struggle of the older generation who wanted to change the lives of people in Sabah for the better. - BERNAMA
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.