Two Chinese tourists and their local dive master were killed while diving in Malaysia's eastern state of Sabah on Friday, according to police.

Initial investigation showed that illegally fishing using explosives was the cause for their deaths.

The incident happened at around 6:00 p.m. local time when the victims were diving in the waters off Semporna.

China's Consulate General in Kota Kinabalu said it has launched a contingency mechanism and got in touch with local police for further investigation results.

Malaysian Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Mohamaddin Ketapi expressed his condolences for the deceased following the accident, condemning illegal fish bombing activities in the waters off Semporna.