Langkawi: The fourth day of the search and rescue (SAR) operation for victims of the boat tragedy in waters off the Malaysia-Thailand border saw two more bodies recovered this morning. The discovery brings the death toll to 22, while 14 survivors have been found safe.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Kedah and Perlis Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) director First Admiral (Maritime) Romli Mustafa stated that the Marine Police Force (PPM) discovered a man's body floating in the waters near Pulau Singa Besar at 10.10 am. The body was taken to the MMEA Jetty and handed over to the police for further action. Shortly afterwards, the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) reported the discovery of another man's body in Selat Chincin near Pulau Anak Datai. This body was taken to the Kubang Badak Jetty and handed over to the police.

Romli noted that the operation, which resumed at 7.30 am this morning, had been expanded to cover an area of 329.67 square nautical miles, divided into 14 search sectors. "The MMEA, together with all agencies involved, will continue the search efforts and provide updates from time to time until the operation is fully concluded," he said.

A total of 200 personnel from various agencies are involved in the operation, supported by 14 assets from the MMEA, Royal Malaysia Police, Royal Malaysian Navy, JBPM, PPM, and the Malaysian Civil Defence Force.