KUALA LUMPUR: The ending of the search-and-rescue (SAR) mission operation for Indian tourist G. Vijaya Lakshmi at a sinkhole in Jalan Masjid India after nine days marked was a solemn occasion for members of the SAR team.
Dang Wangi district police chief Assistant Commissioner Sulizme Affendy Sulaiman, who served as the ground commander for the SAR operation, mission, yesterday gave a heartfelt speech to the team following the announcement that the operation had now shifted into a search-and-recovery phase.
"Thank you for all your efforts.
"My appreciation to all the men and women who had participated in the SAR operation here, despite not being able to find anything satisfactory in the end.
"However, your spirit demonstrated a high level of commitment to join hands and work together for a common goal," he said at the final assembly after the rescue mission operation was called off yesterday.
His words were directed to all SAR personnel, including the Fire and Rescue Department, the Civil Defence Force, Kuala Lumpur City Hall, (DBKL), the People's Volunteers Corps (Rela) and Indah Water Konsortium. (IWK).
At a press conference earlier, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa had announced that the SAR operation would be terminated due to safety reasons.