BARIO: The Kelabit community in Bario has marked the historical effort in securing Sarawak's freedom from Japanese control during World War II, the Sarawak Public Communications Unit reported.
Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Office Datuk Gerawat Gala acknowledged the community's gratitude towards the Z Special Unit, whose operations in Bario catalysed Sarawak's liberation and introduced the Kelabit to modern advancements.
During the 79th Anniversary of Operation Semut, Gala highlighted the transformative impact of these wartime interactions, noting how they broadened the horizons for the Kelabit people and integrated them into broader national security roles.
Many from the community later served in the military, police, and as border scouts, with over 300 Kelabits contributing to the nation's peacekeeping efforts.
The ceremony at the Bario Memorial Monument served not only to honour the past but also to reflect on the enduring values of freedom, security, and progress.
Gala urged the present generation to remember and appreciate the legacy and sacrifices that have shaped the current stature of Bario and its people.