Ting (third left), Sherinna (fourth right), and Soh (second right) are seen at the book launch.
MIRI (March 24): The Borneo Memorial Trail, which covers war memorial sites in Sarawak, Sabah, and Labuan, is an important tourism product, said Datu Sherinna Hussaini.
The Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts permanent secretary said more importantly the trail is also a reminder of war and how the peace and harmony enjoyed today must be cherished.
She said the new book ‘Memoirs of Special Unit in Bario’ by Jennie Soh would enable the younger generation to learn Sarawak’s history as well as share it with foreign visitors.
She praised Soh, from the Society of English Writers Northern Zone Sarawak, for taking the time “to research, compile, and write the stories of the brave locals and their contributions in fighting against the Japanese occupation”.
“The ministry learnt of Soh’s book project through a discussion session with non-governmental organisation (NGOs) that related to the Second World War. It is important to note that under the Sabah-Sarawak and Labuan Joint Tourism Collaboration and Cooperation, we have identified war memorials as important tangible and intangible relics that link the past to the present,” Sherinna said during the book’s recent launch.
“The stories that were compiled from old diaries by officers and soldiers of the Allied forces, locals from Bario volunteers who helped the British, Australian, New Zealand troops — the bravery of our local heroes is acknowledged in this book.
“They will be remembered and connect us to how peace is not something that should be taken for granted.”
Soh, who began researching the book 10 years ago, said she wished to record history that is not taught in schools for the benefit of the younger generation.
“It is to create awareness among Sarawakians about the heroic acts of their forefathers, especially in the Bario and the Baram areas; while at the same time, position Bario as a potential destination for its history, culture, and nature; and creating World War II trails as an adventure to enhance tourism,” she said.
The book, which supported is by the Facilitation Fund for Arts, Culture and Heritage under the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, is a collection of World War II stories during the Japanese occupation, with the first landing of Western paratroopers from Z Special Unit in Bario on March 25, 1945.
Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts I Datuk Sebastian Ting officiated at the event.
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