MOE Probes SOP Compliance In IPG Kayaking Tragedy, Strong Currents Suspected

KUALA LUMPUR, April 5 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Education (MOE) has initiated an internal investigation to review compliance with standard operating procedures (SOP) following the deaths of two Institute of Teacher Education (IPG) Perlis Campus students during a kayaking activity at Pantai Merdeka, Kedah, yesterday.

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said in a Facebook post today that the relevant authorities are also investigating the incident, adding that MOE is managing appropriate assistance for the victims’ families, with priority given to their welfare and well-being.

“On behalf of MOE, I extend my condolences to the families of the two IPG Perlis Campus students who were involved in an accident while participating in an off-campus outdoor education programme.

“May their families be granted strength and resilience in facing this difficult time,” she said.

Meanwhile, Kuala Muda police chief ACP Hanyan Ramlan said preliminary investigations found that the kayak capsized due to rough sea conditions, with the victims later discovered entangled in a local fisherman’s net.

He said the case would be referred to the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) for further investigation into the cause of the maritime incident.

In the incident at about 5 pm, the victims, identified as Christopher Ling Jia Siang, 21, and Joey Ling Lin Siang, 20, were found drowned while participating in the activity.

Their bodies were recovered at about 7.30 pm, with both wearing life jackets at the time. The case has been classified as sudden death.

-- BERNAMA