Grief at KIA’s MASkargo terminal as trainee teacher Christopher Ling’s remains arrived home

KUCHING (April 7): Tears and grief filled Kuching International Airport’s MASkargo terminal this afternoon as the coffin of trainee teacher Christopher Ling Jia Siang arrived at around 4.30pm.

Family members, including his parents Ling Kuok Hui and Esther Liu Poh Ling, and siblings, were on hand to receive him, their sorrow palpable as they later accompanied the hearse to the funeral parlour.

Also present were Institut Pendidikan Guru (IPG) deputy rector (Student Affairs) Dr Ts Shamsul Saniron, State Education director Omar Mahli, IPG Batu Lintang deputy director Dr Norsarihan Ahmad, and teachers and students from IPG Kampus Batu Lintang, offering their support and condolences.

The remains were taken to Chan Funeral Services Parlour at Mile 5, where the mourning period will be held from April 7 to 9.

The encoffining ceremony is scheduled for 8am on April 9, followed by funeral services at 9am.

The cortege will then proceed to Nirvana Memorial Park crematorium.

Christopher, 20, was one of two trainee teachers who lost their lives during a college-organised outdoor activity involving 35 students from IPG Kampus Perlis.

Kuala Muda police chief Assistant Commissioner Hanyan Ramlan said Christopher and fellow trainee Joey Ling are believed to have fallen into the sea at around 5pm after their kayak was struck by strong waves.

Authorities are also investigating whether the kayak became entangled in a fisherman’s net, which may have prevented them from resurfacing.

Several other kayaks reportedly capsized during the activity, but those involved were rescued.

The bodies of both victims were recovered at approximately 7.30pm, roughly two and a half hours after the incident.

Meanwhile, Joey’s remains arrived in Sibu at about 5.25pm, where similar arrangements are being made for the final rites.

Speaking to reporters, Shamsul said the institute had mobilised support at multiple levels to assist the victims’ families.

“From the beginning, we received support not only from the campus management but also from the minister and deputy minister, who came to provide moral support to the families.

“We have also managed the arrangements to bring the remains back to Kuching and Sibu with the support of IPG Batu Lintang and the Sarawak Education Department,” he said.

He added that in Sibu, assistance was provided by IPG Kampus Rajang and the Sibu District Education Office.

On the ongoing investigation, Shamsul affirmed that the institute would give its full cooperation to the authorities.

“We will cooperate fully in the investigation,” he said.