Its minister Loke Siew Fook said the ministry was reviewing the report and would get feedback from the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) on legalities.

“We have no problem making this report public,” he added during question time at the Dewan Rakyat today.

Loke was responding to a supplementary question from Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man (PN-Kubang Kerian) on the extent of the government’s cooperation with other authorities in determining the cause of the cargo ship’s disappearance.

The Malaysian-registered cargo vessel, carrying pipes worth RM726,205, was reported missing in Indonesian waters on Jan 9. A police report was lodged by the ship’s agent on the same day.

The ship, which was operated by three Malaysian and two Indonesian crew members, left the pier in Kampung Aceh, Perak, on Dec 23 last year and was supposed to arrive in Kuching on Dec 31.

Loke dismissed claims that there were issues with the search operation’s expenditure or elements of possible negligence.

“It is untrue to say that we are neglecting the search and rescue operation for the ship,” Loke said in response to another supplementary question from Wilfred Madius Tangau (PH-Tuaran).

“There is no issue regarding cost in the search and rescue operation as this involves human lives. We’re not looking at the cost. However, the ship was reported missing in Indonesian waters, so search and rescue operations are under the Indonesian authorities,” he said.

Loke added that he had instructed the marine department to keep monitoring the case and ensure that the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) continued its search and rescue mission together with the Indonesian authorities.

On Jan 18, MMEA director-general Zubil Mat Som said the agency would open an inquiry paper and call the ship’s owner, the crew’s family members and the ship’s agent to answer questions about MV Dai Cat 06’s disappearance.