Miri prepares to bid farewell to Mutang

MIRI: A sombre Miri city has begun preparations for the final rites of Senate President Datuk Mutang Tagal who died on Friday.

All funeral arrangements are being coordinated by Datuk Gerawat Gala, the Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring).

At a meeting chaired by Gerawat he detailed arrangements, including the provision of a Hornbill Skyways helicopter to transport Mutang’s father, 91 year-old, Tagal Paran and his siblings from Kampung Long Muda,  Ba’kelalan in Lawas to Miri.

The remains of Mutang are scheduled to arrive from Subang airport, Kuala Lumpur on Sunday (May 12) morning, landing at Miri airport around 10am on a Royal Malaysian Air Force’s Hercules aircraft.

Upon arrival, the casket will be transported to the Borneo Evangelical Mission (BEM) Church on Jalan Airport, where friends, family, and well-wishers can pay their final respects.

A tribute ceremony at the Canada Hill BEM Church will serve as a fitting tribute to Mutang’s life and contributions.

On May 13, a formal funeral service will be conducted at the BEM Canada Hill Church, followed by the procession to the burial ground at the Golden Hill Memorial Park, in Lambir, where Mutang will be laid to rest.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, along with his deputies (Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Datuk Amar Profesor Dr Sim Kui Hian) and other Sarawak Cabinet Ministers, are expected to attend and pay their respects.

Gerawat also mentioned that they are awaiting updates on the attendance of federal ministers, as many are currently attending the wake ceremony held at the Nirvana Centre in Kuala Lumpur (on May 11).