KUCHING: The regatta boat that capsized in the Sarawak River, resulting in the deaths of five staff members from the Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UKPS), has yet to be recovered, UKPS director Datuk Dr Chai Khin Chung said.
He said the boat, borrowed from a local resident for training sessions, was in good condition and had been used multiple times before the incident.
The cause of the accident is still 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 met by reporters outside the Forensic Medicine Department at Sarawak General Hospital here today.
Chai added that efforts are underway to provide contributions to the families of all victims involved through the UKPS Welfare Club, alongside assistance from the Employees Provident Fund and the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso).
Additional support would be considered following advice from Sarawak state secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, he said.
When asked if UKPS would still participate in the Sarawak-Kuching Waterfront Regatta Festival 2024 from Nov 1 to 3, he said a decision would be made later by higher authorities.
"There is 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 said.
Earlier, authorities discovered the bodies of all five victims involved in the incident that occurred in the Sarawak River near the Royal Bay Commercial Centre, Jalan Buruh Bintawa, on Friday. The boat reportedly 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.