Malaysia’s Ministry of Education has initiated an internal investigation following the tragic deaths of two students from the Institute of Teacher Education (IPG) Perlis Campus, who were found drowned during an outdoor programme.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said in a Facebook post that the ministry is reviewing compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) related to the incident, while authorities are also conducting a separate investigation into the case.
She added that the ministry is prioritising welfare support for the victims’ families, ensuring that assistance is provided during this difficult time. On behalf of the ministry, she extended condolences and expressed hope that the families would remain strong in facing the tragedy.
In a broader context, incidents involving outdoor educational programmes have increasingly drawn attention to safety enforcement, particularly when activities involve open waters. The latest case is expected to further highlight the importance of strict adherence to safety guidelines.
Meanwhile, Kuala Muda District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Hanyan Ramlan, said initial findings suggest that strong waves and currents caused the kayak to overturn during the activity.
He noted that both victims were later found entangled in a local fisherman’s net, after being swept away by the sea. The case will be referred to the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency for further investigation into the cause of the accident.
The incident occurred at approximately 5pm at Pantai Merdeka during a kayaking session. The bodies of Christopher Ling Jia Siang, 21, and Joey Ling Lin Siang, 20, were recovered at around 7.30pm the same evening.
Police confirmed that both victims were wearing life jackets at the time of the incident, and the case has been classified as sudden death pending further investigation.
