Langkawi: The death toll in the boat capsize incident at the Malaysia-Thailand border waters off Langkawi rose to 28 people with the discovery of two more bodies today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the director of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) for Kedah and Perlis, First Admiral (Maritime) Romli Mustafa, reported that they received a report from a local fisherman at about 9.39 am regarding the discovery of a girl's body approximately 5.8 nautical miles from Pulau Cupu. A Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) boat was dispatched to retrieve the body and transport it to the MMEA Jetty before handing it over to the police.

Later in the day, at 4.31 pm, a complaint was received from the public about the discovery of a man's body on Pulau Beras Basah. A boat from the Civil Defence Force (APM) was sent to collect the body, which was subsequently handed over to the police.

First Admiral Romli Mustafa confirmed that, as of 6 pm today, the death toll stands at 28, comprising 14 men, nine women, two boys, and three girls. He also mentioned that 14 individuals have been rescued, including 12 men and two women. The search operation was paused at 7 pm and is scheduled to resume tomorrow at 7.30 am.

The MMEA, along with other agencies, is committed to intensifying search operations to locate the remaining missing victims. Members of the public are encouraged to provide any information by calling 04-9662750 or the 999 hotline.