SANDAKAN: The bravery and sacrifices of more than 2,000 Australian and British allied  soldiers, including many civilians who perished in the Sandakan Prisoner of War Camp,  will never be forgotten, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor. 

“Not far away from this exact spot, mid-1942 many soldiers were moved from the  prisoner camp. Those chosen were the fit ones selected to transfer goods on foot, deep  into the intense Bornean jungles and all the way to Ranau, over 260km away. With  supplies up to 25kgs 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,” he said at the Sandakan Memorial Day here today. 

His speech was delivered by Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment  Datuk Joniston Bangkuai. 

“As we remember the Prisoners-of-Wars, we also remember the local civilians who took  the risk and lost their lives in helping these allied soldiers. Let us honour them and the  rest of the individuals as heroes,” he said. 

As this year marked the 79th anniversary of the end of World War II, Hajiji said the loss  of abled men lives on in the minds of family members.  

“This morning is an opportune time for us to reflect on their sacrifices. Our desire for  peace must be stronger and that war should not prevail,” he said. 

To the family and relatives of the fallen, Hajiji said Sabah would be their place of  remembrance.  

“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 said.

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,” he said. 

Ends