One seafarer was reported missing and another two were injured after a research ship suffered a blast and fire off Malaysia.

An engine room explosion was blamed for the blaze on the 1,050-dwt Geos (built 2009) on Tuesday, 10km off Kuala Baram.

Crew jumped into the sea from the ship, owned by Ageo Marine of Kuala Lumpur.

Rescuers picked up 38 crew from the water.