A search and rescue mission has reportedly been launched to find 24 people on a boat who went missing off Kota Belud last night.
A report by the New Straits Times said the vessel, coming from Pulau Mantanani — a popular dive resort off Kota Belud — with 12 tourists from China, six resort workers and six crew members, had last contacted authorities at 11pm.
Johor Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) chief First Admiral Mohd Zubil Mat Som was quoted as saying that the boat had sprung a leak on its way to Kota Belud.
He added that the crew members, however, managed to radio for help.
According to the NST, three MMEA boats were sent to the scene, but there have been no developments as of midnight.
