The victim, Mr Mamat Lambak, was 70, according to the police in southwest Johor, where the accident happened.

His 60-year-old wife, Madam Banon Raja Deraman, escaped with minor injuries.

She was given outpatient treatment, Pontian police chief Superintendent Zahaliman Jamin told The Straits Times.

The Singaporean couple had been holidaying for a few days in their home village of Kampung Cengkih.

'Fishing was his hobby whenever he returned to his village,' Supt Zahaliman said.

The accident happened at about 6.15am in the waters near Tanjung Piai, the southernmost point of peninsular Malaysia.

A passenger boat returning to the port of Tanjung Pelapas collided with Mr Mamat's fishing boat, Supt Zahaliman said.

The two crew members on board the passenger boat were unhurt.

Malaysian police are investigating.

TEH JOO LIN