GERIK: Mohamad Sarif Long still gets emotional when remembering the tragic event that took the lives of his friends 49 years ago. The incident occurred in August 1974 when Mohamad Sarif and his friends were working on the Public Works Department’s East-West Highway and were ambushed by communists. The sudden attack claimed the lives of their driver and two of Mohamad Sarif’s friends, Ali and Hussin.
Recalling the horrific incident, Mohamad Sarif said, “It was a regular workday for us when suddenly, we heard a gunshot and saw our driver get shot in the head. He died instantly, and our lorry came to a halt. As we tried to crawl out, Ali and Hussin were shot dead.”
After taking cover under the lorry for a while, Mohamad Sarif attempted to escape but was advised by soldiers to stay put. Describing the terrifying experience, he said, “I lay under the lorry for two hours, constantly hearing gunshots. Throughout this time, all I could think about was my wife, whom I had married just a few months before the tragedy occurred.”
Mohamad Sarif was eventually rescued by the army and taken to Gerik Hospital for a check-up. He returned to work about a week later. He shared, “Whenever I think about the highway, I can’t help but cry. Just minutes before the incident, Hussin had mentioned his intention to apply for leave to get engaged.”
Despite the tragic events and the loss of their friends, the 123km highway connecting Jeli, Kelantan, and Gerik, Perak was inaugurated on July 1, 1982, and made accessible to the public. During the Works Ministry’s MyJalan campaign held at Jetty Pulau Banding, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed his gratitude towards the 37 men, including Mohamad Sarif, who were involved in the construction of the highway. They were presented with a token of appreciation and RM1,000 for their hard work.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
