China praises Malaysian rescue efforts to find victims

PETALING JAYA: China has asked Malaysia to continue its good work to locate the five missing victims of the Sabah boat mishap, its embassy said in a statement.

The embassy in Kuala Lumpur also said in the statement that it hoped a thorough investigation into the incident would be launched, to ensure the safety of tourists visiting Sabah.

It offered its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased victims and its sympathy to those who were injured.

“We will provide assistance to family members who need to come to Malaysia,” the embassy said yesterday.

It said that its consul-general based in Kota Kinabalu, Chen Peijie, was with the survivors at Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

The embassy cautioned Chinese tourists visiting Malaysia to heighten their safety awareness to ensure safe travel.

Chen also expressed satisfaction with the search and rescue efforts.

She told reporters at the Kota Kinabalu marine police base that Chinese President Xi Jinping had expressed concern over the missing tourists.

She said that he wanted her to assist the Sabah and Malaysian governments in their efforts.

Chen, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim, Sabah Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Pang Yuk Ming and Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency director-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Puzi Ab Kahar were at the base on Sunday to receive the survivors being brought ashore.

Chen also said she was informed by the Malaysian authorities that more assets would be deployed and that the search area would be expanded.

She added that several family members of some of the tourists have already arrived in Kota Kinabalu while others are still on their way here.

“Arrangements have been made to help the victims and their families,” she added.