An oil tanker was caught fire offshore Malaysia in the Malacca Straits, nine people were reported missing while 16 rescued, said the sources, who asked not to be identified on Wednesday.

A Liberian-registered tanker is on fire after it collided with a cargo ship in the Strait of Malacca outside Port Dickson, in Negri Sembilan of Malaysia, on this photo released by Malaysian police on Aug. 19, 2009. Sixteen out of 25 people have been rescued leaving 9 people missing. (Xinhua Photo)

The tanker was reportedly registered in Liberia and the bulk carrier from Britain and each had a crew of 25, Port Dickson Police chief Supt mazlan Othman told the media.

He said the Fire and Rescue Department was notified the fire at 9:15 pm and it is believed a major oil spill had occurred.

It is learnt that the bulk carrier was coming into Port Dickson for repairs. The fire on the bulk carrier was put off by its crew sand no one was injured.

VietNamNet/Xinhuanet