KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) – A tragic incident occurred last week when a boat carrying approximately 300 migrants from Myanmar capsized in the Indian Ocean, near the border between Thailand and Malaysia. As of Sunday, officials reported that at least one body had been recovered, ten individuals were rescued, and dozens were still missing. The exact timing and location of the boat's sinking remain unclear.
A Malaysian official indicated that the vessel likely capsized in Thai waters, highlighting the growing activities of cross-border syndicates that exploit migrants who navigate perilous sea routes. A police chief confirmed that some of the survivors are Rohingya Muslims, a group that has faced prolonged persecution primarily in Myanmar.
First Adm. Romli Mustafa from the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency stated that preliminary investigations suggest the boat set sail from Buthidaung, a town located in Rakhine State, Myanmar, and that it sank three days ago. The agency initiated a search and rescue operation on Saturday after several survivors were found drifting off the coast of Malaysia’s northern resort island, Langkawi. In this operation, the body of a woman believed to be from Myanmar was also discovered in the sea.
Through this effort, at least ten people were rescued, including a man from Bangladesh and several others from Myanmar. Romli mentioned, "There is a possibility that more victims will be located as the operation continues," indicating a glimmer of hope amid the unfolding tragedy.
Malaysian state police chief Adzli Abu Shah informed the national Bernama news agency that the vessel likely sank within Thai waters before the victims were carried into Malaysian territory. Earlier in January, Malaysian authorities had turned away two boats carrying nearly 300 individuals believed to be Muslim Rohingya refugees attempting to enter the country illegally. Malaysia’s dominant Malay Muslim population makes it a popular destination among Rohingya refugees.
Historically, Malaysia has accepted Rohingya on humanitarian grounds; however, the government has been cautious in managing their numbers out of concern for a potential mass influx of migrants arriving by sea. According to data from the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, there are approximately 117,670 Rohingya refugees registered in Malaysia, accounting for about 59% of the total refugee population in the country.
This situation underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis faced by the Rohingya people and the broader challenges associated with migration across Southeast Asia. The tragic capsizing incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangerous journeys many undertake in search of safety and a better life.
