IPOH: Two Indonesian fishermen were rescued at sea after their boat had a leak and began sinking some 53 nautical miles northwest of Pulau Perak at the Strait of Malacca.
Perak Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) director Capt Mohamad Shukri Khotob said a towboat on its way from Langkawi to Lumut encountered the two victims and rescued them before dawn on Friday (March 8).
"The victims have been identified as M. Jabar, 38 and Musliadi M. Aji, 44, from Kabupaten, Acheh Timur, Indonesia
"Both are unharmed and in good health," he said in a statement.
"They were handed over to us after docking at our jetty," he added.
Mohamad Shukri advised the maritime community to always adhere to the law and ensure their safety when going out to sea, especially in uncertain conditions.
"The community is also urged to ensure their safety equipment needs are in good condition before going out to fish, as it is the first step to save themselves from disasters at sea while waiting for rescue," he said.
"For emergencies, the state MMEA operations centre can be contacted at 05-683 8737 or the 999 emergency hotline," he added.