ALOR SETAR, January 4 - Two boats carrying nearly 300 Myanmar migrants were found two nautical miles southwest of Pulau Rebak, Langkawi, yesterday.

Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Director-General Admiral Datuk Mohd Rosli Abdullah said the boats were found at about 4.16 pm and all the foreigners were exhausted after it was believed they had been on a long journey without adequate food and drink.

"It is estimated that nearly 300 foreigners were on the boats involved and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency provided assistance including food and clean water, before the two boats were escorted out of Malaysian waters to continue their journey.

"We are also working closely with Thai enforcement to obtain additional information on the movements of the boats," he said.

Mohd Rosli said the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency reminded the maritime community to immediately report any suspicious activity by calling the 999 emergency line or the Langkawi Maritime Rescue Sub Centre (MRSC) at 04-9662750 or 011-58925868.

Yesterday, Mohd Rosli said the agency had activated Operation GUARD and intensified patrols to track down the remaining illegal immigrants from Myanmar who were reported to be heading to Langkawi.

The operation followed the arrest of 196 Myanmar nationals in the Pantai Teluk Yu area, Langkawi at 3.25am yesterday, after the boat they were on ran aground in the waters.