Corporal (R) Paul Nyopis Noyeat, who received the Panglima Gagah Berani (PGB) award for his bravery in warding off communist insurgents in combat, died of a stroke at the Bau Hospital near Kuching today. He was 71.

A former member of the Royal Ranger Regiment, Nyopis, who was bedridden after a stroke since three months ago, died at 9.40am.

Sarawak Veterans Affairs Department (JHEV) director Lt-Col Monday Juhid described Nyopis’ death as a big loss to the country and the Bidayuh community as he was the sole Bidayuh recipient of the country’s gallantry award.

“I am deeply saddened by this loss as Nyopis and I came from the Bau district. Nyopis’ bravery in combat, for which he was awarded the PGB, is well-known,” he said when contacted.

Monday said Myopis would be buried in his home village, Kampung Rumih at about 2pm tomorrow after prayers at the village’s church.

All are welcome to pay their last respects.

Nyopis was awarded the PGB by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on June 8, 1978 for single-handedly fought off 15 communist insurgents from Pasukan Rakyat Kalimantan Utara (Paraku) in Jalan Sebuku-Tondong, Bau on April 19, 1972.

He was then in an army convoy from Kuching to Bau.  

Upon reaching Tondong, Bau, the convoy was ambushed by a group of communist insurgents.

Three Paraku members were killed in the skirmish.

Nyopis retired after 21 years of service with the Royal Ranger Regiment.

- Bernama