KUCHING: Kapit MP office is ready to provide assistance in connection with the incident involving four people reported missing after the longboat they were travelling in capsized in the Batang Baleh near SK Lepong Baleh in Kapit.
Following the reported case, Kapit MP cum Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi expressed his sadness upon hearing the news.
“I was very sad and affected to receive the news of the longboat capsize in Batang Baleh.
“I was told that four victims including two policemen are still missing and search and rescue (SAR) efforts are being actively carried out by the authorities.
“I hope the families of the victims involved can be patient, and together we pray that all of them can be found soon in a safe condition,” he said.
Following this, Nanta said that he had contacted Kapit district police chief DSP Rohana Nanu to get the latest information on the development of the incident.
“I also instructed the staff and officials at the Kapit MP office to closely follow the development of the incident and SAR operation and to provide appropriate assistance to those involved,” he said.
In light of this, Nanta also advised folk who use water transport, especially those who cannot swim, to stay vigilant and to always wear life jackets.
“Aside from that, water transport operators are also responsible to ensure that all passengers and crew comply with the appropriate safety measures.
“Let us work together to improve the service and safety of water transport services in Sarawak including in Kapit for the well-being of everyone,” he said.
For the record, two policemen are among four victims reported missing in the incident on March 7.
Rohana said at the time of the incident, the two policemen were on their way from Kuching to Ng Tulie, Kapit with explosives weighing 35 kg and detonators.
According to her, in the incident at around 5 pm, the two policemen along with three other passengers boarded a boat from the SK Lepong Baleh jetty heading towards Ng Tulie to deliver the explosives.
“Upon reaching the scene, the boat veered slightly to the left towards the upstream of the river and encountered swirling water, causing the boat to capsize.
“One victim was rescued by members of the public while the other four are still missing,” she said in a statement on Thursday night.
