Three fishermen are reported missing after failing to return from a fishing trip in the waters around the Pulau Sepanggar, Pulau Gaya and Pulau Mengalum, near here, yesterday.

The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Sabah and Labuan Maritime First Admiral Mohd Zubil Mat Som said in a statement today that the three men went fishing in a white fibre glass boat about 7am yesterday.

The three men identified as Mohd Wapie Said,34; Amsiran Mijan, 55; and Malik Awang, 40, were expected to return at 9pm yesterday.

Mohd Zubil all anglers failed to return home until this morning.

Family members lodged a police report early today to seek help from the authorities to trace them.

The MMEA had activated the search and resue operation at 10am today. - BERNAMA