KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — On Tuesday, Malaysian authorities initiated a search for 14 Indonesians who went missing after a boat, reportedly carrying over 30 people, sank. The incident occurred off the coast of Pangkor Island in central Perak state, as officials confirmed that the vessel was believed to be transporting “undocumented migrants.”
The Perak maritime office reported that a local fishing vessel managed to rescue 23 individuals on Monday after they were found floating in the sea early in the morning. Maritime chief Capt. Mohamad Shukri Khotob confirmed that the search and rescue operation commenced immediately and would persist until all missing persons were located. It was noted that there were a total of 37 passengers believed to be aboard the ill-fated boat.
According to Capt. Mohamad Shukri, the migrants are thought to have departed from Kisaran, Indonesia, on May 9, and were en route to various destinations in Malaysia, including Penang, Selangor, and Kuala Lumpur. The situation underscores the perilous journey many Indonesians undertake to seek better job opportunities abroad.
The 23 survivors have been handed over to marine authorities for further questioning as part of the investigation into the circumstances leading up to the tragic incident. The ongoing search efforts demonstrate the urgency of the situation, as rescuers strive to find those who remain unaccounted for.
Furthermore, Malaysia has long been a popular destination for Indonesian workers in search of improved employment prospects. Unfortunately, many of these individuals resort to illegal means of entering the country, often utilizing overcrowded and unsafe boats. This has led to a series of maritime accidents, resulting in numerous fatalities and injuries among migrants.
In recent years, Indonesians have constituted a significant portion of the foreign labor workforce in Malaysia, predominantly engaged in sectors such as agriculture and construction. The hazardous methods employed for migration highlight the ongoing challenges faced by individuals seeking better lives, showcasing the urgent need for safer and more regulated migration avenues.
