A fisherman who went missing after a boat fire near Tanjung Piandang has been found drowned with severe burn injuries, about 4.8 nautical miles offshore.

MMEA Kuala Kurau zone director Maritime Commander Mohd Hairil Othman said the body was discovered by a local fisherman and handed over to police. The victim, identified as Cheah Chai Pun, 33, was one of three fishermen who jumped overboard when their boat caught fire early yesterday due to an engine malfunction.

Two survived, but Cheah went missing, prompting a search operation, which has now been called off.

Mohd Hairil urged the maritime community to always wear life jackets and contact emergency services in any sea-related incidents.