THE families of the two soldiers from Sarawak, who were reported missing on July 19 while on duty in Pulau Perak, Kedah, are calling for the armed forces reactivate the search for the duo.

The armed forces had on July 26 called off the search for the two soldiers from the 4th battalion of the Royal Ranger regiment – Corporal David Edmund Rapi, 39, of Dalat and Lance Corporal Moses Logers, 25, of Bau, citing the absence of new leads.

“We believe they are still alive,” Logers’ brother Thony Hilo told reporters at the Kuching international airport after meeting Works Minister Baru Bian to seek his help.

“Whatever they (the armed forces) told us (of still continuing the search) is rubbish.

“We want the search to be continued and we will be there (on the island) to monitor the search.”

Baru Bian, who had directed his special officers to liaise with the Defence Ministry to convey the families’ concerns, said they are appealing for a wider search.

They also want the armed forces to rope in the assistance of other agencies with search and rescue (SAR) expertise like the police, civil defence, and fire and rescue department.

Baru Bian, who is also Selangau MP and Sarawak PKR chief, said although he is aware of the delicate nature of military operations, he called on the armed forces “to be sensitive and responsive” to the families.

“We echo the families’ call to continue and broaden the search and remember these men are heroes of the army who would risk their personal safety without hesitation to ensure our borders are safe.”

The families had earlier criticised the armed forces for failing to keep them updated of the search.

They took matters into their hands by making their way to the island on July 22.

Their trip to Pulau Perak not only set them back RM10,000 in travel costs, including chartering a speed boat, they had a look at how the search was conducted.

“When we reached the island, no one was searching,” said Hilo.

The soldiers were found missing during a 10pm roll call on July 19.

The families were told that the two were present for the 7pm dinner. – August 9, 2019.