Tragic students not wearing life jackets, says Lee

LUNDU: The three students feared to have drowned following a boat capsize at Sungai Kayan, Kampung Selampit here, were not been wearing life jackets.

Sarawak Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin blamed the tragedy on the boat operator’s negligence in ignoring the importance of life jackets.

As such, he assured that a detailed investigation would be conducted and appropriate actions taken to prevent similar incidents.

“It’s not just in this village, in other places as well. This is what we have been stressing and we have already conducted many safety campaigns throughout Sarawak.

“Don’t wait for law enforcers to wear a life jacket. It’s about your safety, not enforcement,” he said at the scene of the tragedy on Tuesday (Aug 20).

Also present were Deputy Minister of Transport (Rivers and Seas) Datuk Henry Harry Jinep and Opar assemblyman Billy Sujang.

Alsma Jithil, 14, Helena Fasha Petrus, 14, and Vilkie Wilson, 15, were swept away by strong currents in the 6.10am incident.

Twelve students, a local woman, and the male boat operator survived.

The victims, from Kampung Selampit, were en route to SMK Senibong when the boat, which was also carrying a motorcycle, capsized.

It was reported that boats are the only mode of transportation for these students to go to school as their village is located on the other side of the river.

It is understood that the boat operator has been providing boat taxi services to students for many years.