A male and female teacher trainee in their 20s lost their lives on Saturday afternoon after their kayak was struck by strong waves off Pantai Merdeka, Kedah, during a college-organised outdoor activity.
Their bodies were recovered some two and a half hours later.
Two teacher trainees from Institut Pendidikan Guru (IPG) Kampus Perlis — Christopher Ling Jia Siang and Joey Ling Lin Siang, both in their 20s, drowned at Pantai Merdeka in the Kuala Muda district of Kedah on Saturday afternoon, during a college-organised kayaking activity, FMT reports.
Kayak believed to have capsized after hitting strong waves
Kuala Muda district police chief Assistant Commissioner Hanyan Ramlan confirmed that the pair are believed to have fallen overboard after their kayak was struck by strong waves at approximately 5 pm.
Their kayak is also thought to have become entangled in a fisherman’s net, which may have hampered any chance of self-rescue.
The two victims were part of a group of 35 students travelling by kayak from one location to another. Several other kayaks also capsized, but those occupants were rescued,” he told the English daily.
Other participants rescued as conditions turned rough
An emergency distress call was received by police roughly one hour after the victims went missing.
Utusan reports that officers from Tanjung Dawai Police Station and Kota Kuala Muda Police Station were deployed to the scene immediately, and a search and rescue (SAR) operation was launched with assistance from local fishermen.
The bodies of both victims were recovered at approximately 7:30 pm and transported to Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah in Alor Setar for post-mortem examination. Investigations are ongoing.
Where it happened
Pantai Merdeka is the only sandy beach on mainland Kedah and a major attraction for beachgoers from across the northern states. It lies at the mouth of Sungai Merbok and is linked by ferry to the fishing town of Tanjung Dawai.
While popular for picnics and water activities, the beach is also known for its sea erosion and variable wave conditions.
The Principal and the entire community of Institut Pendidikan Guru Kampus Perlis extend their deepest condolences to the families of the late Christopher Ling Jia Siang and Joey Ling Lin Siang, who were students of the PISMP Physical Education programme (Intake August 2025/2029).
May the families of the departed be granted strength and resilience in facing this difficult trial,“ it wrote.
