M’sian guide killed in Sabah quake was leading S’porean students
KOTA KINABALU — Mr Valerian Joannes was supposed to get married in November. But his life was cut short when an earthquake struck Sabah on Friday morning (June 7).
The 27-year-old Malaysian guide had been accompanying the group of Tanjong Katong Primary School students and teachers on their expedition on Mount Kinabalu.
“He’s so kind, so helpful, (he just) wants the Singapore children to be safe,” said his cousin Felix Finien Yandang in an interview with TODAY at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, where Valerian’s body was identified by his father, Joannes Lubak yesterday (June 6).
Valerian became a tour guide at Mount Kinabalu in 2012. “(He’s) very fit, healthy (and has) liked to rock climb since (he was a) small boy,” said Mr Felix.
Mr Felix, who flew from Muar with Valerian’s older brother on Saturday after receiving the news that morning at 4am said: “His (Valerian) mother (is) still (in the) village (in Bundu Tuhan). She (is) very sad.”
As Valerian lives in the staff quarters at Mount Kinabalu, he would return home only about five times in a month, said Mr Felix.
Mr Joannes said the last time he his son alive was on May 30. “I tell him take care, be careful (of his) work,” he said.
Valerian leaves behind two sisters and one brother.
