Fisherman Reported Missing After Falling Into Sea Near Pulau Betong

GEORGE TOWN, June 25 (Bernama) -- A local fisherman is missing after reportedly falling overboard off Pulau Betong last night.

Penang Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) director Captain Muhammad Suffi Mohd Ramli said the state maritime headquarters' operations centre received information regarding the incident via a public complaint at 10.15 pm.

"…the Langkawi Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre activated a search and rescue operation, and an MMEA patrol boat was deployed at 10.30 pm.

"As of early this morning, the search and rescue operation has been intensified with two MMEA vessels and boats, alongside the Batu Uban Marine Police Force," he said in a statement today.

He said the search area has been expanded to nearly 19 square nautical miles, focusing on the victim's last known position.

Muhammad Suffi noted that poor weather conditions were slightly hampering search efforts, but authorities would continue to intensify the operation and provide updates as they become available.

-- BERNAMA