Remains of Singaporean kayaker to be repatriated as search continues for missing partner

SINGAPORE — "My mummy will be back soon," the daughter of Singaporean kayaker Josephine Puah Geok Tin wrote in a Facebook post on Thursday (Aug 15) as she thanked well-wishers for their concern and the support shown towards her family.

Puah's body was found on Wednesday in the waters off Kemaman, Terengganu. Her remains will be repatriated to Singapore on Friday, Malaysian state news agency Bernama reported.

"We would like to thank (the) Ministry of Foreign Affairs for all your help and support for speeding things up," Puah’s daughter, Ms Ranie Pang, wrote in her  Facebook post.

"My mummy will be back soon after investigation and we will update on the wake details when we can. We really appreciate all your love. We are very grateful."

Puah, 57, and another Singaporean kayaker, Mr Matthew Tan Eng Soon, 62, had gone missing during a kayaking trip in Mersing, Johor, on Aug 8.

Puah and Mr Tan’s kayak and personal belongings were found on Tuesday by a fisherman in Kuantan. Puah's body was then found a day later by another fisherman in waters off Terengganu.

The search for Mr Tan is still ongoing, with Malaysian authorities focusing their efforts on an area of around 500 nautical square miles between where the kayak and Puah’s body had been found.

His son, Mr Jeremy Tan, thanked Singapore and Malaysian authorities for their assistance in the search efforts on Thursday. He urged local residents to continue keeping a lookout for his father as they have been instrumental in the search so far, reported CNA. AGENCIES