Son of a kayaker, Louis, went onto Facebook to plead for authorities to do more in search for his mother who is lost at sea. His mother, Puah Geok Tin,64, went on a kayaking expedition and was lost at sea together with a man, Tan Eng Soon, 52. They were swept away from the group of 13 other Singaporean kayakers due to strong currents. Both of them were last spotted in their green kayak.
Singaporean authorities have not done anything to help with the search. According to Louis, he believes that the Malaysians want to do the search themselves as it is their own turf. Louis however, plead for the Singaporean authorities to help in the search.
You can read his full post here:
Dear Mummy, everyone is praying for you, everyone is waiting for you to come back. Please come back to us safely, there are so many unsaid words and so many more things in my life I want to share with you. I am waiting, we are waiting. I love you. ❤
As the time ticks by, it frustrates me on how much I can do to find my mother. On 080819 1730hrs my Mummy and Mr Tan drifted away from the canoe expedition group because of strong currents. It has been 72 hours since she is missing out in the open water in Malaysia, and we still are not able to bring in any Singapore forces to help with the search. On top of it, is definitely not comforting knowing that is a holiday in Malaysia, and everyone is out celebrating, can there be more people going out for the rescue? I'm very thankful for the people that are helping despite it being a holiday, but i know more can be done!
My family and I will definitely feel more assured if we have Singapore forces coming down to help with the search. It is always better to have more help when it comes to Search and Rescue mission right?
Even approval for just 2 other private boats to help for the search took such excruciating time. Is the Malaysian pride that "I must find it myself, since is happening on my ground" getting in the way? Why can't approval be process faster for Singapore forces to come in and help? I am from the Singapore Armed Forces myself and I serve proudly. I understand there are restraints from higher authorities, but in times of emergency, there’s sure ways to push for things to go faster? I totally trust the Singapore Forces and I believe Singaporean are always ready to help anyone in need. We just celebrated Singapore 54th Birthday, and I personally see how strong the bonds of Singaporeans are. I hope that Singapore will fight hard to search for my Mummy and Mr Tan in this Search & Rescue mission. I hope this can reach out to the appropriate Authorities / the Singapore Authorities that can help, and also hope Malaysia can open up for Singapore to come in with the Search & Rescue. The people here are doing whatever they can but we are short handed. I have faith in Singapore & I know you won't leave anyone behind.
Previously a man named John Low was lost at sea in Tioman due to a freak accident. The man was burnt to a crisp and he only kept his sanity by talking to his Rolex and his floating buoy. John Low was then found and rescued by the RSAF. John Low then came along to give a message of support on Louis's Facebook.
We hope that Louis will get reunited with his mother soon. Don't give up hope!