Son of missing S’porean kayaker pleads for M’sian authorities and locals to continue searching for father

Singapore – A 62-year-old Singaporean man is still missing after a kayaking trip in Malaysia on August 8.

Over a week ago, Tan Eng Soon was kayaking in a group with 13 other Singaporeans at the Endau islands when his bright green double kayak got separated at one point.

Tan went missing along with another woman named Puah Geok Tin, 57.

On August 14 (Wednesday), Puah’s body was found by a fisherman about 185 km (100 nautical miles) from the point where the duo went missing.

Louis Pang, 23, confirmed his mother’s identity and wrote a heartfelt goodbye on social media.

“You’ve led a wonderful and glorious life. You did what you love to do till the very end,” wrote Pang. “Rest in peace, Mummy. I love you.”

“Now spread your wings and be free. I promise to bring you back home safe with me.”

Arrangements have been made for the return of Puah’s remains to Singapore.

Read related: Missing Singaporean kayaker ‘not a typical auntie,’ niece says she’s ‘like a female Bear Grylls’

Meanwhile, the search for Tan continues. His son, Jeremy Tan, appealed on August 15 (Thursday), urging authorities to continue with the search and asked local Malaysian residents to keep an eye out for his father.

“So far up to this point, we are very grateful for all the help and support by the MFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs), by the Malaysian maritime police department,” said Jeremy in a statement reported by CNA.

“We hope that in the coming days, they can continue to maintain the search effort as my father is still missing.”

Jeremy asked for assistance from the locals in the area. “We would also like to reach out to all the local fishermen or any of the locals who might be out at sea over the next few days,” said Jeremy. “We ask that they please keep a lookout for him as well, because they have been instrumental in the search thus far.”

According to the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Mersing zone chief maritime commander, Haris Fadzillah Abdullah, 32 people are involved in the search and rescue operation. They have extended the search area to Kerteh waters and are covering an area spanning almost 500 nautical square miles.