By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Sept 26: The family of Lee Chong Loong decided to conduct an independent search and rescue (SAR) operation for the missing jet ski rider, with the offer of a reward of up to RM150,000 if anyone manages to find him still up.
A family member posted on Facebook yesterday (Sept 25) about the independent SAR operation.
On Sept 16, Lee vanished from the Talang Talang islands in Sematan while trying out his new jet ski with a friend.
Lee and a friend set out from the Pak Amit jetty in Santubong for a test run to Satang Island, then continued three nautical miles to Teluk Melano and Talang Talang Besar Island.
The victim’s friend only realised Lee wasn’t riding his jet ski behind him as they left Talang Talang Besar Island.
Attempts to locate the victim were futile, so a police report was filed at the Lundu police station around 7pm.
Recently, the victim’s family has offered a reward of RM30,000 to anyone who can find him, and if the victim is found alive, a reward of RM150,000 would be given.
The 46-year-old man was last seen wearing a life vest, a black long-sleeved shirt, and black pants and had been missing since 4pm on Friday, Sept 16.
In addition, the victim’s family noted that he has a full body of tattoos as another distinguishing feature.
“If you have any information, please contact 019-8553333 or 016-8872000 or 014-6888838.
“We are appealing to the public to help find Lee Chong Loong, who went missing while riding his jet ski from the Talang Talang islands to the Santubong jetty.
“We urge the public to come forward together with our team in helping the search as soon as possible,” the poster said.
Meanwhile, a fisherman discovered a jet ski believed to have been used by Lee near Talang Talang Besar Island on Sept 17.
The victim has yet to be found, according to the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), despite the discovery of the jet ski.
However, the SAR operation for the missing jet ski rider was called off at 4pm on Sept 22 after no new clues were discovered.
The decision was made following a discussion between Lee’s family and the involved agencies.
MMEA led the SAR operation, which included the Marine Police, Sarawak Coastguard, Police Air Wing Unit, Fire and Rescue Department, and the maritime community.
Since the start of the search on Sept 17, the operation has covered over 800 square nautical miles, stretching from Tanjung Sipang in Santubong to Talang Talang Besar Island in Sematan.
The SAR operation will be reactivated once new information about the missing victim is discovered. — DayakDaily
