THE FATES OF SOME IBAN TRACKERS / SARAWAK RANGERS

Sarawak Rangers Veterans Association (SRVA), which I am setting up to help ease the burdens of the ex Iban Trackers, Sarawak Rangers and the Malaysian Rangers, though not officially registered yet has already received a couple of S.O.S from members who have met problems.

CASE NO. 1:         Tracker Dickson Sawing 74 years old, who had found employment as a security guard in Ulu Tiram, Johor, had suddenly fallen ill and partly paralysed after eating a handout given by a good samaritan. He had been living in a shack and out of works for sometime. He was living on handouts from neighbours. The news found its way to me via an acquaintance, Major Ding the Second-In-Command of 3rd Malaysian Rangers based in Kem Oya, Sibu, Sarawak.

The good thing about Malaysians are that, sometimes, in time of needs, there are always people with big hearts who are always willing to help other people in need.

In the case of Tracker Dickson, an ex Navy personnel took Dickson's case and highlighted it in the media. Major (Rtd) Murugayah, who was an ex Malaysian Rangers himself, followed up the case. Major Ding. the Second-In-Command of 3rd Malaysian Rangers called to tell me about the case and said they are going to fly Tracker Dickson back to Sibu, put him up in one of the empty married quarters until such time a house is built for him and wife on their piece of land in Sri Aman, 2nd Division of Sarawak. That is very kind of 3rd Rangers.

However, I was told that, Tracker Dickson will have to stay in Johor Bharu to undergo medical treatment until he is fit to travel. When I contacted Major (Rtd) Andy Murugayah, he said he is willing to pay for Tracker Dickson's and wife's fares to Sibu. Here's another good Samaritan.

Meanwhile Tracker Dickson and wife is now under the care of 1st Malaysian Rangers based in Majidee Camp in Johor Bharu, Johor.

CASE NO. 2:     Sgt (Rtd) Ambau Gerasi, an ex Sarawak Rangers personnel has been in Kuching General Hospital for a medical treatment. Since he is fit to travel back to his hometown in Kapit, he was discharged. However, he needed monetary help to pay for the shipment of his special bed which was presented to him by Persatuan Bekas Tentera Malaysia (PBTM), an ex Army Association, back to Kapit. The cost of shipment is RM450.00. We are awaiting for a good Samaritan to help out.

These are some of the assistances that SRVA can undertake once we are fully operational and have the fund available at hand.

Thank you all for the big heart. God bless you all.