Japan's Quake : Malaysian missing in quake-hit port



Paul Tiong Lee Foong



PETALING JAYA: The family of Paul Tiong Lee Foong (pic) has been frantically looking for him since the 24-year-old went missing at Sendai Port in Japan following the earthquake-cum-tsunami disaster there.

His sister, Elsie Susan, 28, said Paul was doing his internship on a cargo ship Thailine owned by Shin Yang Group of Companies, before completing his maritime engineering studies at the Sarawak Maritime Academy.

Elsie, who is from Sibu, said the ship was said to have arrived at Sendai Port on Friday morning before the twin disasters struck.

“My brother was said to have left the ship with two other shipmates, who were Chinese nationals, for some shopping in the town.

“However, the ship received an earthquake warning later and was told to leave the port immediately,” she told The Star yesterday.

Elsie, an optician, said there was only 15 minutes to recall the crew members before the ship left the port.

“The crew on the ship tried to phone my brother and his friends but they could not be reached as the line was down.

“They had no choice but to leave without them,” she said, adding that the family was told that the two Chinese nationals had been located and sent to an evacuation centre.

“We have been trying to reach the Chinese duo to find out about my brother but have not been able to get through,” she said.

She said the family had sought the assistance of Wisma Putra in their search for Paul.

“We have also put his information and picture on people search websites on the Internet, such as the Japan person finder service,” she said.

Elsie said she believes that Paul, who is the youngest among six siblings, is still alive and possibly helping the earthquake and tsunami victims.

“He loves the sea and this trip to Japan was his first time away from home,’’ she added.

Elsie appealed to those with information to contact her at 019-885 9774 or e-mail lc82_susan@hotmail.com