The view from the Kampung Bitokan jetty facing Sungai Kayan, with Kampung Selampit across river, near where the boat sank yesterday (Aug 20, 2024).

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By Wilfred Pilo

KUCHING, Aug 21: Opar assemblyman Billy Sujang has expressed his sadness over the sinking of a boat ferrying students and other passengers over Sungai Kayan yesterday morning.

Three students from SMK Senibong were initially reported missing. The body of 15-year-old Vilkie Wilson was recovered earlier today with the search still underway for the remaining two missing students as of press time.

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Billy asserted that the incident has nothing to do with the delayed construction of a bridge that is expected to span across Sungai Kayan between Kampung Bitokan and Selampit .

He added the contract to build the bridge has been given out and contractors appointed.

Billy shared that construction on the new bridge at the cost of RM27.94 million is expected to start in September 2024.

He added due of the new locality of where the bridge going to be build, an additional RM17 million was given, with all the costs borne by the Sarawak government.

“Therefore it is unfair to say the delay in construction of the Selampit bridge had caused the incident,” he told reporters when met at the Kampung Bitokan jetty today.

He said yesterday’s boat sinking is heartbreaking case.

“This is the first incident that involved local residents since the village was established here some 75 years ago,” he said. — DayakDaily