Federal, state governments to assist rescue team

The Federal Government and the state government will help the rescue team to bring an express boat which capsized in the Rajang River last Tuesday, afloat. According to Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, the federal government and the state government should give serious attention to the problems faced by the rescue team. Futhermore, efforts should be taken to bring a crane to assist the operation. "This is the sixth day, the federal and state governments will provide assistance as soon as possible and will continue in the search and rescue effort for two more victims still missing," he said. Zahid added that all agencies under the Home Ministry, police and Rela will continue to do their best in the search and rescue mission, with the cooperation of other parties such as the Sarawak Rivers Board and villagers. Earlier, Zahid briefed Belaga district police chief DSP Bakar Sebau and state Bomba deputy director Mohd Ali Bahudin before moving into the site, located two kilometers from the center of operations. He also contributed a total of RM10, 000 to facilitate the search and rescue operation with food preparation and logistical support. Besides that, he also contributed RM2,000 to John Soon Hock Chiong, whose wife is still missing in the tragedy. Zahid also contributed McDonald's while Belaga assemblyman Liwan Lagang brought Pizza Hut in recognition of the search and rescue team's tireless efforts as well as personnel from various government agencies who performed various tasks such as providing food and tents, as well as media personnel gathered in the scene since Tuesday. During the press conference, Zahid said a discussion between him and Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud will be held tonight to talk about the tragedy.