RBJTimban’s Crib

Around 9.00 a.m, 5th March, I received a shocking news from our aki Gadang. A news about a fatal accident that had killed one of our cousins, Marcus. Initially, I could not believe my ears, as Marcus was only 34, a decade younger that me. But after aki Gadang had related to me of the news, I have to take it.

Marcus was killed in a car crash along Mukah-Sibu road, sometimes around 2.00 a.m. His parents and the other Stambak Ulu villagers were informed by the Betong police officers at around 8.30 a.m.

The funeral was held three evenings later – 8th March, at his parents’ house in Stambak Ulu. A lot of friends and relatives came to pay their last respect to a humble young man whom we called Dom (Marcus).

During the funeral, my family and I shared Uncle Kimpek’s bilik to prepare all the meals. This was because, our own bilik was not completed yet. We were not the only family who shared the bilik with Uncle Kimpek. Her sisters, Anggil, Dut, and Limai also came from Kuching to share the bilik. Beside Uncle Kimpek’s place, Ansi’s bilik was also packed with the other families such as Uncle Abit’s siblings. Like ours too, their biliks were not completed yet.

On the 9th March, the late Marcus was buried at St. Augustine’s Church’s new burial ground, a hill locally known as Munggu Sabut. It was about 10 minutes drive from Stambak Ulu. All had mourned for his demise and prayed that his soul rest in peace.