MIRI: Decorated war hero Sub-Inspector (Rtd) Ngalinuh Bala, who died late Tuesday, will be accorded a state funeral tomorrow, Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Aidi Ismail confirmed.
The late Ngalinuh, a Kelabit, died at Miri Hospital at the age of 79.
He leaves behind a wife, five children, nine grandchildren and one great grandchild.
He will be buried at the Sidang Injil Borneo (SIB) Christian cemetery in Lambir at 3pm.
Commissioner Aidi was met early yesterday after he paid a visit to the late Ngalinuh’s family at their Kampung Lusut home here.
“We recognise the deeds of the late Ngalinuh. The country has lost one of its heroes,” he said.
Among those Commissioner Aidi met was the late Ngalinuh’s wife, Sabitlwat@Sinah Ngalinuh, 73.
He was accompanied by Miri district police chief ACP Lim Meng Seah.
On July 6, 1972, the late Ngalinuh was awarded the nation’s highest award Seri Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa (SP) by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for his bravery in fighting communist terrorists on April 29, 1972 as a member of the famed Police Field Force.
On that day, the late Ngalinuh and four other colleagues were assigned to escort several Public Works Department (JKR) staff carrying explosives for rock breaking from Mile 14 to the Mubal quarry, Mile 54 in Oya, Sibu.
Around 1pm, they were ambushed by communist terrorists.
Due to his outstanding bravery, he saved the lives of his colleagues and the JKR staff.
He also killed one of the terrorists, and was wounded in the encounter.
