JOHOR BARU, Dec 16 — The search and rescue (SAR) operation to locate the victims of a boat that capsized yesterday in waters off  Tanjung Balau, Kota Tinggi, continued tonight to cover the coastal area of Tanjung Siang right up to Tanjung Balau.

According to Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency SAR Forward Base (PHC) 17 personnel from various agencies are being deployed in the operation which started at 7pm today.

"The coastal search will continue as long as the search operation is still on,” said PHC.

However, the sea search which involved the deployment of assets, was halted and postponed due to poor visibility.

Earlier, seven bodies were found in Tanjung Balau today, bringing the total number of bodies recovered so far to 19, while 17 victims are still missing. — Bernama