ALOR STAR: Back from the dead. That was how three former soldiers, who were seriously injured in a clash with communist insurgents in the 1970s, described themselves.
Yahya Kamis, 64, who shared his experience with Bernama, said he was permanently injured in the left leg when he was shot through the calf, while two of his colleagues were killed in an ambush by the insurgents on March 28, 1979.
Yahya, who served in the Royal Malay Regiment, said the incident occurred about 10am when he and five other soldiers were on board a truck heading from Pengkalan Hulu to Bukit Berapit, Perak, to deliver food supplies to army personnel.
“When we reached Kampung Air Panas in Gerik, we were ambushed. Two of our colleagues were killed instantly.
“We estimated about 20 insurgents were involved in the ambush. We were engaged in a 15-minute battle before an armoured car ahead of the patrol came to our rescue.”
Yahya said although his left leg was injured, he continued to serve in the army before retiring in 1994.
Othman Shaari, 75, said he had serious injuries to the spine when terrorists attacked a truck, that was ferrying him and 13 others in Gubir near Sik on Jan 20, 1976.
Othman, who was then in the Royal Army Regiment, said the incident took place at 8.45am when they were leaving Gubir Camp after a three-month surveillance operation at Gubir Dam.
“When we reached a corner, about 700m from the camp, we heard gunfire coming from atop the hill. We returned fire at the communist insurgents. Three, including me, were seriously injured.”
Othman said a bullet was embedded about 6cm above his kidney, and he had to endure pain for about four hours before help arrived.
“The bullet was removed two weeks later at Penang Hospital, where I spent about 45 days. I still feel pain in my back hip, and my right leg isn’t as strong as it used to be.”
Former army commando Noor Muhammad Lawamiah, 62, injured his leg when he stepped on a booby trap during surveillance operations with fellow commandos in Op Gubir Muda 1 in 1978.
“It was the first day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri. I stepped on a booby trap and lost my left leg. It took two to three hours before help arrived.
“However, it did not dampen my spirit to serve. We were passionate about our work, putting the country first. During our operations, we had only the country on our minds, not our families.
“We were focused on hunting and eliminating the communist insurgents.”
In conjunction with National Day, all three unsung heroes urged Malaysians, especially youth, to appreciate the sacrifices made by former soldiers, who risked their lives to fight the communist insurgents and ensure the country is safe and secure.
“Value the peace and harmony that you are enjoying.
“Do not be easily deceived by negative elements,” said Noor Muhammad.