Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has called for a thorough investigation into the offshore platform incident that claimed the lives of three workers after a lifeboat plunged into the sea off the Terengganu-Kelantan waters.
In a statement issued on Monday, Anwar said the government views the tragedy seriously and expressed confidence that relevant authorities would conduct a comprehensive probe to determine the exact cause of the fatal incident.
He stressed that workplace safety measures must continue to be strengthened to better protect workers and prevent similar tragedies from happening again.
“My condolences to all the victims’ families, and I pray they are given strength and resilience in facing this extremely difficult ordeal,” he said.
The Prime Minister also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured survivor currently receiving treatment.
The deadly incident occurred yesterday at Platform Sepat, where four workers had boarded a lifeboat to carry out maintenance work beneath the offshore structure.
According to authorities, the lifeboat suddenly plunged into the sea at around 12.50pm during the operation.
The three workers who lost their lives were identified as Ahmad Fiqri Zakaria, 38, from Batu Berendam, Melaka; Muhammad Faezuan Hakim Mohammad Bustamam, 28, from Kuantan; and Nik Muhammad Hafifi Asri Ab Majid, 37, from Indera Mahkota, Kuantan.
Another worker, Mohd Taufik Mohd Ruslan, 37, from Banting, Selangor, suffered serious injuries including fractures and is currently being treated at Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah.
Kuala Terengganu police chief Azli Mohd Noor said the four men had boarded the lifeboat to descend into the sea for maintenance work below the platform before the tragedy unfolded.
Police have currently classified the case as a sudden death report while investigations continue.
