SIBU: The fate of a 64-year-old man, Hui Chye Mee, who went missing after an express boat sank in Sungai Rajang on September 10, is still yet to be determined after almost a month following the incident.
The victim, who was navigating his express boat carrying goods for sale, is believed to have fallen into the river after the boat collided with a cargo ship in the Tanjung Kunyit area at about 6:27 pm.
It is understood that the boat sank immediately after hitting the front of the cargo ship despite the ship’s captain trying to slow down.
Concerned about the welfare of the victim’s family, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, together with Sibu District Police chief, ACP Zulkipli Suhaili, and the marine police team went to the scene of the accident today.
However, Tiong, who is also Dudong Assemblyman, was clearly disappointed with the indifference of the cargo ship company involved.
“It’s been two or three weeks, and until today, the victim is yet to be found. But what saddens me is that the company has not come to see or visit the victim’s family,” Tiong, who is also Bintulu Member of Parliament, said when met by reporters later.
Meanwhile, Zulkipli said police were looking into the use of new technology including sonar to assist in the victim’s detection operation.
“So far, the location of the incident has been identified based on information from the captain of the ship involved.
“The Search and Rescue (SAR) operation was conducted for nine days before being suspended, but patrols and monitoring on the river surface by the marine team are still continuing,” Zulkipli said.
