LANGKAWI: The death toll in the boat capsize incident at the Malaysia-Thailand border waters off Langkawi has risen to 28 people after two more bodies were recovered.
Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) director for Kedah and Perlis, First Admiral (Maritime) Romli Mustafa, said they received a report from a local fisherman at 9.39am about the discovery of a girl's body 5.8 nautical miles from Pulau Cupu.
"A Navy boat went to the scene to take the body to the MMEA Jetty and handed it over to the police.
"At 4.31pm, we received a report from the public about the discovery of a man's body on Pulau Beras Basah. A boat from the Civil Defence Force was sent to pick up the body," he said in a statement on Thursday (Nov 13).
He said that, as of 6pm, the death toll was 28 comprising 14 men, nine women, two boys and three girls.
"Of the 14 people rescued, 12 were men and two were women. Today's operation was suspended at 7pm and will resume tomorrow at 7.30am.
"The MMEA and other agencies will intensify search operations to look for the remaining missing victims. The public can channel information by calling 04-966 2750 or the 999 hotline," he said. – Bernama
