By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, March 12: In the wake of the recent boat tragedy near Lepong Baleh, Kapit, Pelagus assemblyman Wilson Nyabong Ijang has urged the residents of Kapit to prioritise safety by wearing life jackets when using river transport.
Expressing his sadness and offering heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families, Ijang emphasized the importance of safety measures, especially in light of the recent incident involving the loss of two police officers and two civilians.
“I also implore the residents of Kapit to always prioritise safety by wearing life jackets, regardless of your swimming ability, when utilising water transportation.
“Furthermore, I call on the authorities and water transport operators to rigorously enforce safety protocols, ensuring that all passengers and crew adhere to necessary precautions,” he said.
Additionally, he extended his gratitude to those who had given their support and help in whatever forms as well as to the Search and Rescue (SAR) personnel for their diligent efforts and dedication.
It was reported that in an incident around 5pm on March 7, the fibre boat carrying five people sank in Batang Baleh near SK Lepong Baleh in Kapit.
Only one man, identified as Moses Ngui, 47, was rescued by the public.
The SAR operation has found the bodies of three of the four victims namely Jack Balan, 45; Sergeant Jonathan Lambert, 51; and Emerson John James Naim, 47.
At the time of writing, there is only one remaining victim, identified as Constable Iskandar Zulkarnain Ibrahim, 28, who has yet to be found. — DayakDaily
