Kayaking tragedy: Legal team formed to help family of Sibu victim pursue justice, says Tiang

SIBU (April 10): The family of 20-year-old trainee teacher Joey Ling Lin Siang, who died alongside fellow trainee Christopher Ling in a kayaking tragedy at Pantai Merdeka, Sungai Petani, Kedah, may only find true closure when justice is served, said Datuk Michael Tiang.

The State Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government said the legal team is expected to help the family pursue the matter through the courts, as they believe formal legal proceedings are necessary for full closure and accountability.

“Investigations by the Education Ministry and other relevant authorities are ongoing, but legal recourse remains important for the grieving family,” Tiang said during a visit to the late Joey Ling’s family at their home in Permai Jaya here.

He said he has taken the initiative to assemble a legal team to represent the family, engaging members of the Advocates Association of Sarawak (AAS) Sibu branch to assist in the case.

“I have communicated with the Sibu lawyers, and they have agreed to help. I will also allocate RM10,000 as a retainer fee to initiate the necessary legal work,” he said.

He added that the move is aimed at easing the burden on the bereaved family, who are currently overwhelmed in dealing with multiple authorities following the tragedy.

“I know this is a very difficult time for the family to handle all these communications. That is why I propose this legal team to take over so they can focus on the case while easing their burden,” said the Pelawan assemblyman.

Tiang stressed that while authorities conduct internal investigations into safety procedures and possible lapses, the legal team will independently examine the circumstances and assist the family in pursuing due process through the courts.

Meanwhile, AAS Central Committee member Boston Ho Teck How said the association is ready to assist the victim’s family while maintaining a neutral and professional stance.

“We thank Datuk Michael for his initiative and contribution. The Sibu lawyers are very willing to help the family of the victims, and we will do our best,” he said.

He stressed that the legal team’s role is not to assign blame prematurely, but to establish facts and explore possible legal recourse for the family.

“We are not here to point fingers. Our role is to investigate whether standard operating procedures were followed and to preserve evidence,” he said.

He added that efforts will include gathering statements from more than 30 participants involved in the kayaking programme, reviewing planning and safety measures, and possibly conducting an inquest to determine both medical and factual causes of death.

“The most important thing is to find out what really happened. Everything must be done according to the law, and we will assist the family through this difficult time,” he said.

The tragic incident has raised concern over safety compliance in training programmes, particularly those involving high-risk outdoor activities, with growing calls for stricter adherence to standard operating procedures and accountability.