The Tanjong Katong Primary School team were among the casualties in the Sabah earthquake.

Nalanda Buddhist Society members are deeply saddened by the loss of 18 lives in a recent earthquake which struck Mount Kinabalu, Sabah.  On behalf of the Society, Nalanda President Sis. Evelyn Chow expressed her deepest condolences and sympathies to the families and loved ones of those who died in the tragedy.

The President urged Nalandians throughout Malaysia to dedicate merits to the casualties of this natural disaster from 8 to 10 June.  Director of Nalanda Dharma School Sis. Sunanda Ong will organize special remembrance services involving Nalanda facilitators and students over the next 3 days.  Nalanda Founder will lead the main dedication ceremony on Wednesday, 10 June.

The loss from last Friday’s magnitude 6.0 earthquake was unprecedented in Malaysian history.  Six Malaysians, nine Singaporeans, a Filipino, a Chinese citizen and a Japanese climber are confirmed to have died.

Tanjong Katong Primary School lost 6 young students and 2 teachers in the tragedy.

It is poignant to note that the Singaporeans who perished include six 12-year old pupils and two teachers from Tanjong Katong Primary School on a mountain-trekking trip.  A Singaporean adventure guide who went with them was also killed.  The Government of Singapore has declared today (8 June) as a “Day of National Remembrance” for the casualties.

Nalanda President urged everyone to dedicate merits to the casualties of this tragedy from 8 to 10 June.

We hope that the families and loved ones of all victims will find solace and comfort in knowing that Malaysian people totally sympathise with their losses, and pray in solidarity with them.

We also pay tribute to officials, mountain guides and volunteers who worked tirelessly in the search, rescue and recovery operations, the medical team, local communities in Sabah, governmental agencies, non-governmental organisations, and all those involved in helping the victims of this tragedy.  Thank you, and bless you.