Kedah: The Ministry of Education (MOE) has initiated an internal investigation to review compliance with standard operating procedures (SOP) following the deaths of two Institute of Teacher Education (IPG) Perlis Campus students during a kayaking activity at Pantai Merdeka, Kedah, yesterday.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek stated in a Facebook post that the relevant authorities are also investigating the incident. She added that MOE is managing appropriate assistance for the victims' families, with priority given to their welfare and well-being.

The minister expressed her condolences: 'On behalf of MOE, I extend my condolences to the families of the two IPG Perlis Campus students who were involved in an accident while participating in an off-campus outdoor education programme.' She wished for the families to be granted strength and resilience during this challenging time.

Meanwhile, Kuala Muda police chief ACP Hanyan Ramlan reported that preliminary investigations revealed the kayak capsized due to rough sea conditions. The victims were later found entangled in a local fisherman's net.

The case will be referred to the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) for further investigation into the cause of the maritime incident. The incident occurred at about 5 pm, with the victims, identified as Christopher Ling Jia Siang, 21, and Joey Ling Lin Siang, 20, found drowned during the activity.

Their bodies were recovered at about 7.30 pm, both wearing life jackets at the time. The case has been classified as sudden death.