Masidi: We're doing our best to locate missing boat with China tourists

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun (pic) said the search and rescue team is doing its best to locate the missing boat with 28 China tourists and crew of three.  

"I, like all the relatives of those on board, am hoping for progress in the search and rescue operation.  

"Our forces are trying their best," he said on Sunday.  

In a statement, China’s Foreign Ministry said that its consulate general in Kota Kinabalu had contacted Malaysian authorities and urged the government to do all it could to rescue the tourists.  

The boat was reported missing en route to Pulau Mengalum at about 9.50pm Saturday, the first day of Chinese New Year, after sailing off from Tanjung Aru here at about 9am.  

A search and rescue operation involving the police, navy, air force and Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency covering an area of about 400 sq miles between Pulau Mengalum and Kota Kinabalu has been launched.