Tham Yau Kong, a well-known tour guide in Sabah, is set to receive an honorary Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) from Queen Elizabeth II of England. The British high commission informed him on February 14, 2022. The award, which is the third highest-ranking order of the British Empire, was given to him in recognition of his work in researching and retracing the World War II Sandakan-Ranau Death March route. The historical war trail was officially opened in March 2006, and it was also covered by Australia’s ABC Channel Nine.
Between January and March 1945, 470 prisoners were marched for nine days up the eastern slope of Mount Kinabalu from Sandakan, with minimal rations. Only six people survived the initial march. A further three marches followed with only six Australian soldiers surviving after successfully escaping with the assistance of locals.
Annually, relatives of World War II prisoners of war would visit the trail, while members of the British Armed Forces would trek the entire 240km route in 11 days, and Australian civilians would opt for a shorter six-day trek covering 110km.
To learn more about the history of this region and keep the spirits of World War II POWs, contact us about including the Death March Route in your itinerary when planning a trip to Sabah.
