19-8-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) Seliman Bandang, the oldest man in Malaysia, has passed away at the age of 113 at Hospital Saratok in Sarawak. Seliman’s grandson, Michael Bandang, confirmed the news, stating that his grandfather, who held the title of the oldest man in the country according to the Malaysia Book of Records, took his last breath at approximately 5 a.m. on Saturday (August 19).
According to Michael, his grandfather was admitted to Hospital Saratok on August 10 due to a fever and a loss of appetite. He clarified that Seliman was not suffering from any other illnesses. The family expressed their deep sorrow over the loss of their beloved patriarch.
Michael shared that his grandfather had a habit of offering valuable advice whenever they approached him with their problems. “We would always seek his opinion before taking any action or making decisions. He was someone who taught us the importance of appreciating one another,” Michael added.
Seliman was born on March 21, 1910, and had lived through significant historical events such as the Japanese occupation and British colonial rule under the second White Rajah, Charles Brooke. His birth coincided with Sarawak’s significant advancements in the oil and gas industry, marked by the opening of the first oil well in Miri, known as the “Old Lady,” on December 22, 1910.
Following his wake, Seliman will be laid to rest at the Klua Christian Cemetery. He is survived by two children, nine grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. His wife passed away in 1983, but his legacy and the memories he shared with his family will forever remain in their hearts.
