Two local fishermen from Pontian who had been missing since Thursday were found by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA).
The Johor MMEA director First Admiral Nurul Hizam Zakaria announced that the missing fishermen, Mohd Tan Sahubat, 55, and Mohd Safiuddin, 35, were discovered approximately 4.1 nautical miles (7.6km) north-east of Tanjung Piai.
According to Zakaria, the fishermen had set out to sea at 3:30pm on Thursday and contacted their families at 10pm to report difficulties with their boat in Pendas waters. After that, the families were unable to reach them and contacted the Johor Baru Maritime Rescue Sub Centre (MRSC) at about 11:20pm to request assistance.
The Perkasa 42 boat was then dispatched to search for the missing fishermen and was successful in finding them at around 1:30am on Friday.
Zakaria stated that the fishermen were able to repair their boat’s engine and were escorted back to shore by the MMEA vessel.
He also emphasized the importance of ensuring that boats are in good condition before heading out to sea, particularly during the monsoon season and adverse weather. Additionally, he advised fishermen in distress at sea to contact the Johor Maritime Operation Centre at 07-2199401 or MERS 999 for assistance.
