Malaysia’s oldest man passes away at 113

Seliman holding up the Malaysia Book of Records certification of his age during his 113th birthday celebration: Photo courtesy of Michael Bandang, via Astro Awani

PETALING JAYA: The oldest man in Malaysia, Seliman Bandang, has passed away at Hospital Saratok in Sarawak. He was 113.

Seliman's grandson, Michael Bandang, told Malay language portal Astro Awani that his grandfather, who was recognised as the oldest man in the country by the Malaysia Book of Records, took his last breath at around 5am on Saturday (Aug 19).

"Aki (grandfather) was admitted to Hospital Saratok on Aug 10 due to a fever and he didn't want to eat anything. He wasn't ill with anything else," he told Astro Awani.

Michael said his grandfather’s passing was a big loss to the family.

He said his grandfather loved giving them advice when they shared their problems with him.

"We would always get his opinion before doing anything or making any decision. He is someone who loves teaching us to appreciate one another," he added.

Seliman was born on March 21, 1910, and bore witness to the Japanese occupation and British colonisation under the second White Rajah Charles Brooke.

Seliman was also born at a time when Sarawak began making big strides in the oil and gas industry via the opening of the first oil well in Miri called "Old Lady" on Dec 22, 1910.

He will be buried at the Klua Christian Cemetery after his wake.

He leaves behind two children, nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. His wife had passed away in 1983.