Lion Dance Community In Sabah Grieves Loss Of Hambali Latip

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To honour his memory, nearly 40 committee members and troupe colleagues, led by association chairman Master Wong Yuk Leong, made a second journey to Kinabatangan on May 4. - Pic credit Facebook/Malaysia Sabah Sandakan Leong SinKOTA KINABALU: Sabah's cultural and lion dance community is mourning the death of Hambali Latip, a skilled and dedicated 24-year-old performer from the Leong Sin Sports Association in Sandakan.
Hambali died on May 1, five months after sustaining injuries in a training accident.
The 24-year-old lion dancer suffered serious neck trauma during a practice session on Jan 9, while performing a routine on a 1.2 metre-high pole, the association said in a statement.
Despite receiving immediate medical attention and undergoing hospitalisation, his condition deteriorated due to respiratory complications and a subsequent lung infection.
Hambali underwent surgery on Jan 15 at Duchess of Kent Hospital (HDOK).
Despite the best efforts of medical staff, as well as the support of his family and teammates, he succumbed to his injuries.
Hambali joined the lion dance association in 2019 and quickly rose to prominence as an exceptional lion tail performer.
Over seven years of dedication, he earned multiple awards representing both the association and Malaysia.
He also travelled abroad for performances, helping to promote the traditional art of lion dance on the international stage.
On the evening of his passing, association members accompanied his body back to his hometown in Kinabatangan, where he was laid to rest the following morning
To honour his memory, nearly 40 committee members and troupe colleagues, led by association chairman Master Wong Yuk Leong, made a second journey to Kinabatangan on May 4.
The visit included a memorial at Hambali's gravesite and a heartfelt gathering with his family, who graciously hosted the group.
The association said that an accidental insurance policy had been arranged for Hambali and is currently working with the insurer and his family to finalise the matter.
They also said that all details released to the public were done so with the consent of Hambali's family, to honour his life and clarify the circumstances of his passing.
"We pray that Hambali returns to the embrace of Allah and finds eternal peace," the association said. - NST

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