The son of Puah Geok Tin, a woman who went missing while kayaking in Endau waters on Aug 8, is keeping up his hope that his mother is alive although the body of a woman was found in Kemaman waters in Terengganu this afternoon and has not been identified yet.

"My family and I, we are hoping for the best," Louis Pang, 24, said.

Pang described his mother as a caring person who loves outdoor activities.

Last Thursday, Puah, 57, and a 62-year-old man Tan Eng Soon, both Singaporeans, were reported missing at about 5.40pm while kayaking after they were separated from a group of 13 friends at an area between Pulau Sri Buat, Pahang and Pulau Mertang near Mersing, Johor.

Pang has thanked the search and rescue team for their hard work and dedication.

He said the rescue agencies had always provided support to his family and continued the search even while welcoming Aidiladha.

"Definitely, I really thank MMEA (Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency), Royal Malaysian Navy, Royal Malaysia Police and Fire and Rescue Department for the help.

"My family and I are really thankful for the effort in searching for my mother," he told reporters at the Penyabong Jetty in Mersing today.

- Bernama