PUTRAJAYA: The missing Survey and Mapping Department officer has been found dead at the Malaysia-Brunei border.
Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup said the body of Donysius Gabriel Goh, 36, was found in a river about 500m from where he went missing.
Arthur said the deceased, who served as a general assistant H1 at the Miri regional topography office in Sarawak, had shown exceptional dedication and sacrifice in service to the nation while carrying out official duties involving the demarcation and measurement of the international land boundary between Malaysia and Brunei.
"His contributions and service will always be remembered by the nation, and we hope his family will be given strength and resilience in facing this difficult time," he said in a statement on Thursday (March 26).
He also expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the Brunei government for its close cooperation and commitment throughout the search and rescue (SAR) operation.
"Special appreciation is also extended to the Brunei SAR team, the Royal Brunei Land Forces, and the Gurkha regiment for providing additional personnel," he said.
It was reported that a member of the Malaysian survey team had gone missing on March 17 after he was swept away by strong currents while crossing a river in the Ulu Temburong area in Lawas during an international Malaysia-Brunei boundary survey operation.
Arthur said support was also provided by the Royal Brunei Air Force, which deployed a helicopter to retrieve the body, as well as by the Royal Brunei Police Force and Ripas Hospital in Bandar Seri Begawan for the forensic and post-mortem processes.
At the same time, he said the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry (NRES) would ensure appropriate assistance is extended to the victim's family. – Bernama
