Military honours at Oya Camp chapel for soldier fatally shot in Song

SIBU (Sept 25): A gloomy and sombre atmosphere descended on St Anthony’s Chapel at Oya Camp here last night when the remains of the late Cpl Petrus Linggi Liman arrived for funeral prayers.

Petrus, who was a member of the Third Battalion of the Royal Ranger Regiment, died after being shot while undergoing training in Song on Monday.

Ninth Infantry Brigade commander Brig-Gen Ahmad Norzaini Badrun said in a Facebook post that the military honours followed regimental customs led by Sgt Sathis Kumar Kanasen along with eight members of other ranks (LLP).

Among those present were team commanding officer Lt Col Majani Japon and Third Battalion Royal Ranger Regiment Malaysian Armed Forces Family Welfare Association (Bakat) chairman Jamayah Bujang.

Donations were also handed over to the 29-year-old’s family members.

After the ceremony, the cortege travelled to Petrus’ home at Rumah Janting in Simunjan, Pakan for burial.

Based on information shared on Facebook, the cortege arrived at 6.30pm and was greeted by family members, relatives, and villagers who paid their final respects.

The usually joyful longhouse atmosphere turned to despair as those gathered paid tribute to a hero lost forever.

Sarawak police commissioner Datuk Mancha Ata said today that two 31-year-old men have been arrested in connection with the incident and will be investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.

He said both suspects were found to be engaging in illegal hunting.

Monday’s tragic incident occurred at about 2.45am, when Petrus and his fellow soldiers were resting near an unpaved logging road.

After being shot, Petrus received immediate emergency treatment at the location before being rushed to the Song Health Clinic at 4am, and was subsequently referred to Kapit Hospital.

He was pronounced dead at 7.43am.