Donysius Gabriel Goh, aged 36, a General Services Assistant at the Miri Regional Topography Office in Sarawak, died in March 2026 while conducting a border survey near the Malaysia–Brunei border. On March 17, he was swept away by strong river currents in the Ulu Temburong area, Lawas, while crossing a river with five colleagues. His body was found on March 25, about 500 meters from his last known location by a search and rescue team [1, 2, 3].
In recognition of his extraordinary bravery and service, the King of Malaysia posthumously awarded Donysius the Bintang Jasa Perkasa Persekutuan (JPP) during the official birthday investiture ceremony of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim on June 1. Donysius was the sole recipient of the JPP among 161 individuals honored with federal awards at the Istana Negara ceremony [1, 2, 3].
The JPP award recognizes acts of exceptional courage outside the battlefield. Recipients receive a monthly allowance of RM1,000, while the next of kin of posthumous awardees are granted a RM10,000 lump sum payment [1, 2, 3].
Donysius' dedication to duty in difficult terrain along an often challenging border highlights the risks faced by personnel in government mapping and surveying roles. The federal awards ceremony underscored the nation's gratitude to those who serve in such capacities.
The investiture ceremony remains the most recent official acknowledgment of Donysius Gabriel Goh’s sacrifice and heroism in 2026 [1, 2, 3].
