Search enters third day for missing Chinese tourist couple off Mantanani Island

7 Oct 2025 • 4:52 PM MYT
Daily Express
Daily Express

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KOTA BELUD: The search and rescue (SAR) operation for two missing Chinese tourists around Pulau Mantanani entered its third day on Tuesday, with efforts expanded across land, sea, and air.

The couple, aged 25 and 28, checked into Sutera Mantanani Resort on October 4 and were supposed to check out the next day, but never did.

Their belongings were later found in their room, prompting an emergency call to the Kota Belud Fire and Rescue Station at 9.25am on October 6.

Multiple agencies, including firefighters, police, the General Operations Force (PGA), Civil Defence (APM), and local villagers, have been mobilised in the search about 45km from Kota Belud town.

A PPDA diving unit and PADI divers are conducting underwater searches, while the Police Air Wing Unit has deployed an AW139 helicopter for aerial surveillance.

Despite extensive efforts, there has been no sign of the missing tourists. Search operations will continue until both are found or all possible areas are covered.