DARO – Senior leaders from Sarawak visited Pulau Bruit to review the ongoing search and rescue (SAR) operation for a missing man who was swept away in rough seas.
Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS) and Semop Assemblyman, Datuk Abdullah Saidol, together with Dato Ir Yusuf Abdul Wahab, Member of Parliament for Tanjung Manis, were on site Friday to monitor the progress of the operation.
Both leaders also conveyed their condolences to the family of the victim, Ardin Rakli, 59, and received a briefing from the Head of Operations and agencies involved.
The SAR operation began on Thursday after Ardin was reported missing when the boat he was travelling in with his brother-in-law, Kaharuddin Buang, 42, was struck by strong waves in the waters off Pulau Bruit.
The pair had departed from Kampung Betanak en route to Kuala Matu in a newly built boat before encountering rough sea conditions.
The impact of the waves threw both men into the water. While the boat’s engine continued running, causing it to drift further away, Kaharuddin managed to swim ashore and alert nearby fishermen. Ardin, however, was carried away by the strong current.
The incident occurred near Tanjung Sirik, close to Pulau Patok, an area within a national park known as a resting point for migratory birds. The vast waters and seasonal monsoon winds have posed significant challenges for the SAR teams.
DSP Rahim Mihos, Chief of Operations at Matu District Police Headquarters, confirmed that multiple agencies have been mobilised to strengthen the search.
“Among the agencies involved are the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM), the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) and the Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UKPS), with support from the Kampung Tekajong Fishermen’s Association,” he said.
He added that prayers remain with the victim’s family and expressed hope that the operation will proceed smoothly and safely.
The visit by Datuk Abdullah and Dato Ir Yusuf underscored the government’s concern for the affected family and its commitment to ensuring that all resources are deployed in the search.
The SAR operation continues as agencies work against difficult weather and sea conditions to locate the missing man.
