SIBU: The visit of Sarawak Governor, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar to the Rajang Area Security Command (RASCOM) Gallery brought back memories as he recalled the joint struggle against the communist threat in Sarawak.

Before taking up the position as the Head of State, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi began his career by joining the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) in 1964.

He then served in the Forest Police Force from 1968 to 1973 where he was actively involved in operations against the North Kalimantan Communist Party (PKKU) in Miri, Sibu and Kapit.

During that period, he also worked at RASCOM and risked his life in a series of operations to defend the sovereignty of the country.

RASCOM was established on March 26, 1972 by the Second Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Abdul Razak Hussein through Directive No. 4 of the National Security Council.

This aimed to control the activities of PKKU which was increasing in the central area of Sarawak.

RASCOM's area of responsibility covered 58,544 square kilometres, including the districts of Sarikei, Mukah, Sibu, and Kapit.

The RASCOM Gallery which was established in 2012 was the brainchild of the 18th Commander of the Ninth Infantry Brigade, Brigadier General Datuk Stephen Mundaw.

During the visit, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi together with his wife, Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi had the opportunity to take a closer look at the important artefacts that encompass the history of the establishment and operation of RASCOM and are divided into six main divisions including the main plan of RASCOM, establishment, activities, military operations, unit history, and security area development.

Earlier he was briefed by the Commander of the 9th Infantry Brigade, Brigadier General Ahmad Norzaini Badrun.

Also present were Sarawak Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development, Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, Eastern Field Commander, Lieutenant General Dato' Mohd Sofi Md Lepi, 1st Division Commander, Major General Datuk Mohamed Fauzi Kamis, and Resident of Sibu Division, Abang Mohamad Porkan Abang Budiman. -UKASnews