KUCHING: The regatta boat that capsized in the Sarawak River, leading to the tragic deaths of five members of the Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UKPS), has yet to be recovered, says UKPS director Datuk Dr Chai Khin Chung.
Dr Chai stated that the boat, which had been borrowed from a local resident for training sessions, was in good condition and had been used multiple times before the accident.
The cause of the incident remains under investigation by the authorities.
"UKPS has filed a police report and we are awaiting the outcome of their investigation. We remain hopeful about recovering the boat, as we aim to return it to its owner," he said when speaking to reporters outside the Forensic Medicine Department at Sarawak General Hospital on Sunday (Oct 20).
Dr Chai added that efforts are underway to provide contributions to the families of all victims through the UKPS Welfare Club, along with assistance from the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and the Social Security Organisation (Socso).
Additional support will be considered based on advice from Sarawak state secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki.
When asked about UKPS's participation in the Sarawak-Kuching Waterfront Regatta Festival 2024, scheduled for Nov 1 to 3, he said that the decision rests with higher authorities.
"There's a possibility of withdrawing, but I will consult with the leadership first. We will communicate our decision after receiving guidance from the state secretary," he noted.
Earlier, authorities recovered the bodies of all five victims involved in the incident, which occurred near the Royal Bay Commercial Centre, Jalan Buruh Bintawa.
It was reported that the boat capsized due to the wave created by an oncoming fishing vessel.
The victims have been identified as Mohamad Ikhmal Sama'ail, 34; Majurie Maharuf, 32; Mohd Afiq Isyamudin Asaari, 26; Muhammad Khairul Hisyam Kasturi, 23; and Mohamad Khairul Bidin, 26. – Bernama
