BANTING, July 13 — Only one Malaysian has been confirmed dead so far in the ferry sinking tragedy in the Bali Strait late on July 2.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said there have been no new casualties involving citizens so far, and the search and rescue efforts are still ongoing.
"I have been informed that a Malaysian was involved (killed) and has already been laid to rest.
"So far, there are no new victims involving Malaysians, but search efforts are ongoing," he told the press after officiating the Umno Kuala Langat Division Delegates’ Meeting at the Dewan Sri Jugra today.
Previously, Mohamad, who is also the Umno Deputy President, officiated the meeting attended by 460 representatives from 90 branches.
Meanwhile, he added that any relevant department can assist the victim's family.
It was reported that the remains of Malaysian national Fauzey Awang, 55, who perished in the KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya ferry tragedy, were laid to rest in East Java on Friday (July 11) night, fulfilling his last wish to be laid to rest near his teacher's grave and close to his wife in Indonesia.
Although originally from Terengganu, Fauzey was reported to have frequently travelled back and forth to Indonesia every three months to meet his wife.
The ferry he was on carried 65 passengers and 22 vehicles before it sank in the Bali Strait on the night of July 2, about 30 minutes after departing from Ketapang Port, Banyuwangi, in East Java to Bali.
As of Friday, a total of 47 people have been identified, comprising 30 survivors and 17 deceased. Several more people are still missing as the search and rescue operation continues.
— Bernama
