One detainee rushed to hospital for abdomen surgery

KUCHING: One of the 47 Malaysians detained in Poipet, Banteay Meanchey, Cambodia, was rushed to hospital last week to undergo a surgery to the abdomen.

Julau member of parliament Larry Sng said he was informed about this by the detainee’s family members in Sarawak.

“I have informed Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah and shared with him our plan, together with the beneficiaries, to visit the detainees, especially those from the state.

“We hope local media representatives will join us for the visit to gain a clearer insight and more detailed information on the latest developments there for the benefit of the people, especially those from Sarawak,” he said yesterday.

Sng said his office was gathering more information on the latest development on the detainee who underwent surgery, including finding out what he was suffering from.

“We hope all the detainees are well taken care of by the Cambodian government. The visit is important to actually see how they are doing.

“This is also for us to get a clearer picture on what actually happened as it had raised many questions and caused much confusion among family members.”

On Dec 11, 47 Malaysians, including 44 Sarawakians, were arrested by the Cambodian authorities for alleged involvement in online gambling activities.

The detainees have not been charged in court and could be detained without trial for three years under Cambodian laws.

Sng said he was trying to get more detailed information in his personal capacity, as communication between the victims and family members was limited.

“I appeal to all Malaysians to pray for the safety and wellbeing of the detainees. They are our brothers and sisters.”

Sarawak Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the state government was in full support of Wisma Putra’s efforts to secure the release of the detainees and was ready to help.

When contacted in Makkah, she said the state government was closely monitoring the development as it involved many “sons of Sarawak”.

“The Malaysian consulate is offering services in the form of legal advice, as well as taking care of their wellbeing. We are studying how such things could have happened, including the causes.”