KOTA KINABALU: Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar yesterday advised Sabah tour agents and foreign tourists to keep the police informed of their activities at sea for quick police response during any untoward incident.
Informing the police of their whereabouts would facilitate monitoring and quick response during an emergency, he told reporters after presenting Pingat Kedaulatan Negara awards here.
He was asked to comment on the disappearance of four people – two Spaniards, a Chinese and a Malaysian – while returning by boat from Pulau Balambangan in Bangi to their chalets in Tanjung Simpang Mengayau near here on Tuesday.
Khalid advised the people against speculating on the incident.
“At the time we received the report, the sea conditions were not favourable … there were huge waves and strong winds,” he said.
Meanwhile, Khalid said efforts are being made to locate the missing tourists.
“SAR operations have been deployed with assistance from other agencies to track the missing vessel.
“We are still collecting information so it is too early to say anything,” he said.
It only takes two hours from Pulau Balambangan to Tanjung Simpang Mengayau.
When asked if the vessel might have been hijacked or the four tourists might have been abducted by pirates, Khalid declined to comment as investigation was still being carried out.
“I understand that the boat may have faced engine failure.
“I do not want to make any speculation as we are still looking for the vessel and those on board,” he said.