In a solemn gathering at the Kuching Civic Centre here today, family members, dignitaries, and members of the public are paying their final respects to the late Cpl (Rtd) Etin Bijam, Sarawak's last surviving recipient of the nation's highest gallantry award, the Seri Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa (SP).

Etin passed away on Tuesday (June 4) at the age of 83, after a battle with lung cancer.

His remains were brought to the Kuching Civic Centre this afternoon, where the public can pay their respects until midnight and tomorrow (June 7) at the Kuching Heroes' Grave from 10am to 12 noon.

The funeral will include a prayer service at St Thomas Cathedral before the late Etin is laid to rest at the Heroes' Grave.