Sabah quake: Condolences from Singapore leaders as more bodies are identified

As the bodies of five more pupils and one teacher from Tanjong Katong Primary School were identified, June 8 has been declared a day of National Remembrance by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

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President Tony Tan and his wife have also sent their condolences to the families and loved ones of the six pupils and one teacher, as well as the adventure guide, who died while they were on a trek up Mt Kinabalu.

The Ministry of Education (MOE) confirmed today (June 7) that the bodies of five Singapore pupils and a teacher from Tanjong Katong Primary School have been identified. The five pupils are Ameer Ryyan bin Mohd Adeed Sanjay, Emilie Giovanna Ramu, Matahom Karyl Mitzi Higuit, Rachel Ho Yann Shiuan, and Sonia Jhala. The teacher is Mr Loo Jian Liang Terrence Sebastian. The teacher is Loo Jian Liang Terrence Sebastian.

A Singaporean adventure guide - Muhammad DAanish Amran, who was also on the trip with the students, was identified among the dead victims too.

President Tan wrote: "Mrs Tan and I are deeply saddened by the deaths of six pupils and one teacher from Tanjong Katong Primary School, as well as their adventure guide.

"They were in Kota Kinabalu on a learning visit when an earthquake struck Sabah last Friday. Our condolences go to their families and loved ones during this difficult period for them.

"We are hoping and praying that the student and teacher who are still missing will be found soon. Together as a nation, we mourn the tragic loss of these sons and daughters of Singapore."

Other ministers have also taken to social media to post their condolences to the families of the affected and offer messages of support for those those were were injured in the earthquake.

Ms Indranee Rajah, Senior Minister of State of Law and Education, wrote on Facebook that she was 'deeply grieved' when the deaths of the five pupils and one teacher were confirmed earlier on Sunday.

She also visited the condolence site set up at Tanjong Katong Primary School and spoke with some parents whose children were on the trip, but have returned safely.

She also spoke with some of the children who returned from the trip, and added that they felt the loss of the other children keenly.

Minister for Social and Family Development Tan Chuan Jin asked Singaporeans to be united in prayer for families who have lost their loved ones.

He wrote: "We were all hoping that this will not come to pass. But 6 students and a teacher from Tanjong Katong Primary School lost their lives on Kota Kinabalu. One can't even imagine how to begin describing the loss under such tragic circumstances.

"Let us be united in prayer for their families and loved ones. And to also remember the others who lost their lives in the earthquake. We also keep all rescuers and support staff in our thoughts."

Senior Minister of State of Finance and Transport Josephine Teo also offered her message of condolences on Facebook.

She said she was hearing the news on the Kota Kinabalu earthquake with a heavy heart.

Minister of Culture, Community and Youth and 2nd Minister of Communications and Information Lawrence Wong wrote on Facebook that he was following the news of the children and teachers with a heavy heart.

Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean said Home Team officers will continue to work closely with the Education Ministry and Ministry of Foreign AFfairs to support relatives of the stricken Singaporeans in Kota Kinabalu.