KOTA KINABALU: The family of a crew member of the missing cargo ship, MV Dai Cat 06 believes that the victims are still alive.
Sandra Littor, 32, said the family hoped representatives of the ship company would step forward to provide an explanation and offer cooperation in the search mission.
She said, until now, the company had not explained what exactly happened to her younger brother, Derrent Littor, 22.
"We understand that cargo ships were previously allowed to carry iron even if its condition was not satisfactory.
"We want those involved to be responsible for the cargo ship and come forward to explain to the victims' families," she said at a press conference here today.
Sandra said she found out about the incident from a friend before approaching the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (Maritim Malaysia) for more information.
She said so far there have been six police reports made, one from the cargo ship's agent in Lumut and five more from the crew's families.
"SAR operations have now been halted by the Indonesian National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS).
"SAR operations have been terminated and only routine patrols are being carried out in the waters of Indonesia and Malaysia.
"This means no more SAR, only if there is any sign (of the ship) they will activate it again."
Meanwhile, Derrent's other sister, Lyli Littor, 28, said the last time she called Derrent was at 1.47pm on Jan 1.
She said that at that time, Derrent told her that he was in Singapore waters and ensured he always wore a life jacket.
Derrent began working at the MV Dai Cat 06 company on Oct 28 and is supposed to end his service in April this year.
On Jan 10, the media reported the disappearance of MV Dai Cat 06 which was revealed by Malaysian Maritime.
The 52-meter vessel was carrying 527 iron bars worth RM726,205. Five crew members work on the cargo ship, three are locals and two are Indonesians.
The ship's captain is identified as Adi, 43, from Indonesia, while the ship's senior engineer is also Indonesian, Damai Papane Ole, 57.
As for the Malaysians, they are the ship's operations chief, Mohammad Syafarizan Mohd Noor, 24; Mohammad Sudeh Sudin, 20, and Derrent, 22.
MV Dai Cat 06 which left Perak jetty on Dec 23, 2022, should have arrived in Kuching on Dec31.
The ship's agent made a police report on Jan 9 when the last location of the ship detected through the 'Automatic Identification System' was on Jan 1 in Indonesian waters, which is 0.2 nautical miles from the border of Johor waters.