A search and rescue operation involving multiple security agencies is ongoing. Photo: JBPM (Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia)

China's Consulate General in Kota Kinabalu on Wednesday urged Malaysian authorities to intensify air and sea search operations, race against time, leave no clue unchecked, and locate the missing Chinese tourists as soon as possible.

Two Chinese tourists, Yu Xiaopeng, 25, and Fan Qing, 28, have been missing since Sunday while vacationing on Mantanani Island, according to Malaysian media. They checked into the Sutera Mantanani Resort on Saturday afternoon but failed to check out the following day as scheduled.

A staff member at China's Consulate General in Kota Kinabalu told the Global Times on Thursday morning that the search efforts are still ongoing.

The Consulate General in Kota Kinabalu upon being notified that two Chinese tourists had lost contact on Mantanani Island in Sabah on Monday, immediately activated the consular protection emergency mechanism, contacted the Sabah police, and urged them to launch search and rescue operations without delay, according to a statement released on the Consulate's official website. 

The Consulate General also notified the families of the missing individuals and  has been closely monitoring the progress of the search.

On Wednesday, Consul General Zhu visited the site in Kota Belud, where he met with the police chief and the leader of the search and rescue team.  

After hearing a briefing from the police chief on the joint search efforts carried out in recent days by the police, maritime enforcement agency, and fire and rescue department, Zhu emphasized that the police should promptly determine the cause of the incident, enforce the law impartially, and protect the legal rights and safety of Chinese citizens. 

He expressed hope that the relevant departments in Sabah would strengthen safety management and risk assessments for tourist islands under their jurisdiction, promptly address safety risks, and ensure the safety of Chinese tourists.

The police chief said that, under the direction of the Sabah Police and Fire and Rescue Department, all-out efforts would continue to advance the search operations, according to the Consulate General's statement.

The search and rescue operation involves 55 personnel from multiple security agencies, New Straits Times reported.

Global Times