Family urges MoE probe into Kedah kayaking tragedy that killed two S’wakian teacher trainees

SIBU (April 8): The Ministry of Education (MoE) has been urged to conduct a thorough investigation on the timeline leading to the kayaking tragedy at Pantai Merdeka in Sungai Petani, Kedah, recently, which claimed the lives of two Sarawakian teacher trainees from Institut Pendidikan Guru (IPG) Perlis.

Lawyer Elaine Sii, a cousin of victim Joyce Ling Lin Siang, said authorities must disclose the safety measures taken before and after the incident.

“They need to investigate why there were no rescue teams around during the kayaking activities and why it took hours to inform the relevant parties after the bodies were found,” she told reporters at the Bukit Lima Funeral Parlour here.

Sii also questioned why the activity proceeded despite claims that initial approval from the Maritime Department had not been obtained.

“The Maritime Department said there was no application for the activity. If that is so, why did the MoE still push ahead and insist that the activity be conducted?”

She stressed that kayaking is a high-risk activity requiring proper approval and supervision.

“Even experienced participants need permission from the Maritime Department, but these were untrained students who were allowed to proceed without proper guidance and risk management,” she said.

Sii described Joyce, the third daughter of Ling Yii Yong and Kee Ling Ling, as a “cheerful, friendly and caring person who was always helpful to her family and peers.”

“We have a close relationship, and it is very hard to accept such a tragic incident. It is truly heartbreaking,” she said.

Meanwhile, Penghulu Ting Tien Huat, representing State Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang, said assistance is being arranged for the family with funeral matters.

He said arrangements would also be made to seek Traffic Police escort services for the funeral procession.

The encoffin will be held at 7am tomorrow (April 9) at Bukit Lima Funeral Parlour, followed by burial at Methodist Grace Memorial Park at Kemuyang.

investigation Kayaking tragedy lead MOE onsite teacher trainees