Sarawakians endured haze, heat and helicopter crash in one tough month

Dato Peter Minos

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Sept 12: Sarawakians have endured a particularly difficult month marked by haze, extreme heat and a fatal helicopter crash, says political pundit Dato Peter Minos.

He said the challenges had tested Sarawakians, particularly those in Serian who bore the brunt of the haze and heat.

“Serian faced the worst brunt of both the haze and heat. The Serian people went through it all with brave faces,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Minos said he felt sorry for the people of Serian, describing their ordeal as pain caused by an “irresponsible neighbour”.

Despite the difficulties, he said Sarawakians had shown resilience in facing the challenges and would emerge stronger from them.

On the helicopter crash, Minos praised the Sarawak government, particularly Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, for responding swiftly and compassionately to the victims’ families.

He said the RM100,000 assistance for each victim’s family, coupled with full educational support for their children up to university level, demonstrated the Premier’s concern for those affected.

“Really good of our Premier. Truly good-hearted,” he said.

Looking ahead to Malaysia Day on Sept 16, Minos said Sarawakians should set aside the difficulties they had faced and embrace the occasion as a day of joy and celebration.

“Even though things have not been that smooth being in the Federation, we must still celebrate Malaysia Day — if only to give respect to our history and existence,” he said.

Reflecting on Malaysia Day in 1963, Minos recalled being a Form Three student in Bau when he learned that Sarawak had become part of a new federation together with Malaya, Singapore and Sabah.

He described the memory of Sept 16, 1963, as one filled with “great joys” and said it remained a sweet and happy memory. — DayakDaily