The Motorcycle Story Behind the Al-Maunah Siege at Bukit Jenalik

There are many versions of the Al-Maunah group siege at Bukit Jenalik. Many have their own unique experiences when looking back at the past. This time, orangperak.com would like to share the story and experience of Baharin Itam Talib regarding the Al-Maunah group at Bukit Jenalik.

The events of July 2, 2000, have never faded from Baharin Itam Talib's memory. To this day, he still remembers every moment of what happened at that time. Recounting the events of that day, Baharim was on his way to drop his child off at a bus shelter near Sekolah Kebangsaan Jenalik, riding his Honda EX5 motorcycle. Upon arriving there, Baharim heard people talking about the Al-Maunah group, and shortly after, a police officer approached him to borrow his motorcycle. For the loyal readers of orangperak.com, that police officer was Corporal R Sagadevan, who was killed at Bukit Jenalik. "When he came to borrow the motorcycle, I allowed it. The motorcycle was still new; I had only been using it for a month. After the officer went up the hill, I waited, but he didn't come back down. I kept waiting," said Baharim. After waiting for a long time, Baharim finally heard news that the police officer who borrowed his motorcycle might have been detained by the Al-Maunah group. So, Baharim stopped waiting and walked home, a distance of about 500 meters.

Behind those trees, the Al-Maunah group set up their headquarters and killed two men during their time there.

Not long after, Baharim was shocked to learn that his Honda EX5 motorcycle was being used as evidence for the case. Once the case was concluded, his motorcycle was returned, and after that, many villagers began asking Baharin questions.

Baharin Itam Talib never felt any regret or anger in his heart when remembering that he had to use a bicycle as his main mode of transport for over a month after the incident. Everything that happened was a coincidence and was destined to be.

Baharim (right) shows his motorcycle that was borrowed by the police officer to go up to Bukit Jenalik.

According to Baharin, "I will definitely not sell this motorcycle; I have already told my children. If they don't want to use it, it's fine if it just sits there, but I forbid them from selling it. The motorcycle is of great value to me; it will never be sold. It may look worn and dirty, but that motorcycle was involved not only in the country's history but in world history as well," he said. Credit: RBD