KUALA LUMPUR – The Education Ministry (MOE) has launched a comprehensive review of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for outdoor activities at all its institutions following the drowning of two trainee teachers in Kedah.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek confirmed that the Ministry is assuming full responsibility for the incident, which claimed the lives of two students from the Institute of Teacher Education (IPG) Perlis Campus during an off-campus programme at Merdeka Beach, Kedah, on Saturday, April 4.
The victims were identified as 21-year-old Christopher Ling Jia Siang and 20-year-old Joey Ling Lin Siang. Their bodies were recovered on the same day at 7.30pm.
“Justice must be upheld for the families. A transparent, complete and thorough investigation is currently underway. Any breach of regulations will be met with action, and no one will be shielded,” the Minister said in a statement.
As part of the Ministry’s immediate response, several officials involved in organising the programme have been temporarily reassigned to the Perlis State Education Department (JPN) pending the outcome of the investigation.
Authorities are also reviewing existing safety measures to ensure that outdoor activities are conducted with stronger safeguards across all MOE institutions.
Yesterday, Minister Fadhlina visited Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital in Alor Setar, Kedah, to pay her respects to the deceased. She met with the victims’ families to extend her personal condolences and support.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to a thorough investigation, emphasising that any violations of safety procedures will result in strict disciplinary action. - April 7, 2026
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