Kedah and Perlis MMEA director Romli Mustafa said the incident was reported at 10.45am by the boat’s skipper, who said the vessel was in a dangerous condition about 14.6 nautical miles northeast of Pulau Perak, Bernama reported.

The skipper received initial information on the vessel’s condition from one of his workers operating the boat.

Following the report, the SAR operation was activated at 11am and an MMEA vessel, KM Siangin, was deployed to the scene to conduct an initial assessment and provide immediate assistance.

“At present, none of the victims have been found,” Romli said in a statement.

He said the weather conditions at the time were reported to be poor, with strong winds and waves as high as 1.5m to 2.5m.

The Royal Malaysian Navy has also deployed its vessel, KD Ledang, to the area.

A cargo ship, Maersk Songkhla, en route to Port Klang, is also assisting in the SAR operation.