KUCHING: The remains of Mohamad Khairul Bidin, 26, was the first to be released from the Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) mortuary following the tragic regatta training incident last Friday.
As the sky remained overcast, a salute from Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UKPS) members accompanied the departure of Khairul’s remains at 1.20 pm after solemn prayers.
His body will be laid to rest at the Kampung Tambak Pusa Cemetery in Betong.
The burial of the five victims will be conducted in their respective hometowns.
Majurie Maharuf, 32, will find his final resting place in Balingian, Mukah; while Mohd Afiq Isyamudin Asaari, 26, will be buried at the Kampung Rangawan Sadong Jaya Cemetery in Kota Samarahan.
Mohammad Ikhmal Sama’ail, 34, will be interred at Kampung Tanjung Bundong Cemetery, Kota Samarahan; while the youngest victim, Muhammad Khairul Hisham Kasturi, 23, will be laid to rest at Kampung Rebak Cemetery in Asajaya.
The three-day search and rescue operation for the five men, who perished in the regatta boat capsizing incident, concluded at 10 am yesterday (Oct 20).
The bodies were recovered between 6.16 am and 7.09 am, bringing closure to a tragic event that struck the UKPS during their training session for the upcoming Sarawak regatta.