The couple, in their 30s, was seen arguing at the emergency stop at Km2.8 of the bridge (Perai-bound) earlier, a Penang fire and rescue department spokesman said.

He said the department received a distress call at 7.49pm but found that both victims had been rescued upon their arrival at the scene.

“Based on the preliminary investigation, the couple were in a car at the emergency stop and were seen by witnesses arguing before they fell into the water.

“A man who happened to pass by immediately jumped after them and rescued them,” he said, adding that a fisherman’s boat nearby came to their aid, and all three managed to be taken onboard.

The trio were taken to the Batu Uban jetty and handed over to the police and medical team there before being sent to Penang Hospital for further attention, he said.