PORT KLANG: A three-year-old boy was among the victims when a boat capsized at sea on Friday (June 6).
Selangor Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) director Captain Abdul Muhaimin Muhammad Salleh said the tragedy occurred 0.3 nautical miles west of Tanjung Harapan.
The recovered remains include the boy, Darren Gan, and two others, Cheu Son Hin, 50, and Fong Yong Sen, 29.
The child's parents, Gan Hon Tat, 32, and Careen Man, 29, from Klang Utama, are still missing.
The sixth passenger, Alvin Chang Yan Qin, 17, was rescued alive.
"Selangor MMEA is currently conducting a search and rescue operation for the couple," said Captain Abdul Muhaimin, adding that the Maritime Rescue Sub Centre (MRSC) Johor Bahru activated the rescue mission at 5.15pm on Friday.
A search and rescue operations centre has been set up at the Selangor MMEA office to coordinate efforts.
The Marine Police, MMEA, and Fire and Rescue Department are involved in the operations.
Captain Abdul Muhaimin stated the Fire and Rescue Department would continue rescue work as Gan and Man may still be in the boat, which is partially covered in mud.
"The boat has been towed to the Selangor MMEA’s floating jetty," he added.
Initial investigations suggest the boat may have capsized after losing control.
"Maritime Malaysia reminds the public to prioritise safety aspects when engaging in activities at sea.
"The use of safety jackets, monitoring weather conditions, and expertise in handling boats are essential considerations.
"Maritime Malaysia urges the public to pray for the safe rescue of the missing persons," he added.
Captain Abdul Muhaimin urged anyone with information about maritime emergencies to contact the Selangor MMEA operations centre at 03-3176 0627 or call the emergency line at 999.
Meanwhile, Sekinchan Fishermen Association adviser Chia Tian Hee recently told The Star that the sea has become unpredictable.
He noted that big waves now appear without warning, causing havoc for fishing boats.
"In the past, waves would start small, warning fishermen that the sea was about to become choppy, allowing them to return ashore.
"But now, big waves emerge suddenly and aggressively. There have been instances where fishing boats capsized, but luckily there were no fatalities," Chia said.
