The search and rescue (SAR) operation to find five more victims of the catamaran boat tragedy in Sabah waters enters its 21st day today.

Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) director for Sabah and Labuan, Maritime Commodore Mohd Zubil Mat Som said the SAR operation covered 300sq nautical miles off Sabah, Miri, Sarawak and Brunei.

Nine assets were used in the operation, of which three were owned by MMEA; three, by Marine Police; two, by the Royal Malaysian Navy; and one by the Brunei security agency.

"As of this morning, there has not been any new pointer but the operation will go on pending further instructions," he said in a statement here today.

In the incident on Jan 28, the tour boat carrying 28 tourists from China and three crew members capsized after being battered by strong winds and giant waves while heading to Pulau Mengalum.

Twenty-two victims have been found, of whom four perished.

-- BERNAMA