By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, April 8: Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian has pledged to follow through with the Ministry of Education (MEO) and provide legal assistance if necessary following the tragic drowning of two Sarawakian trainee teachers, after paying his last respects to the late Christopher Ling Jia Siang at Chan Funeral Parlor in 5th Mile last night (April 7).
Expressing deep sorrow, Dr Sim said the loss of Christopher, 21, from Kuching, and Joey Ling Lin Siang, 20, from Sibu, was a heartbreaking tragedy that cut short two promising young lives.
“Extremely sad we lost fellow Sarawakian trainee teachers… Both young lives unnecessarily, tragically cut short by the incident. I will try my best to help follow-through with KL, and legal assistance if necessary,” he said, extending his deepest condolences to the bereaved families in a post shared on his social media.
Also present were Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap, Batu Kitang assemblyman Dato Lo Khere Chiang, Batu Lintang assemblyman See Chee How, Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng, Padawan Municipal Council chairman Tan Kai and political secretary to the Premier of Sarawak Kho Teck Wan.
The bodies of both victims were brought back to Sarawak for final rites on April 7. Christopher arrived at Kuching International Airport at 4.25pm, while Joey was flown to Sibu, landing at around 6.30pm.
Both were received by grieving family members, friends, and educators in scenes marked by profound sorrow and reflection.
Christopher and Joey were trainee teachers at the Teachers Education Institute (IPG) Malaysia Perlis Campus. They drowned during an off-campus educational programme involving a kayaking activity at Pantai Merdeka near Sungai Petani, Kedah, on April 4.
The pair were reported missing at about 6pm and were later found at around 7.30pm, still wearing life jackets.
According to Kuala Muda district police chief Hanyan Ramlan, preliminary investigations suggest that the kayak capsized due to rough sea conditions. The victims were later discovered entangled in a local fisherman’s net.
The incident has sparked grief across Sarawak, with calls for accountability and a thorough review of safety measures for student activities conducted outside campus. — DayakDaily
