Police collect DNA samples from 29 boat capsize victims off Langkawi to aid identification, with burials planned for end December in Pokok Sena
ALOR SETAR: DNA samples have been collected from the remains of all 29 victims of the boat capsize incident off Langkawi’s coast.
Kedah police chief Datuk Adzli Abu Shah said the victims comprised 15 men, nine women, three girls and two boys.
Post-mortem examinations conducted at Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital determined 15 victims died from drowning.
“The cause of death for the remaining 14 victims has yet to be determined pending laboratory analysis,” Adzli told a press conference at Kedah Police Contingent Headquarters.
He confirmed DNA samples and fingerprints were collected to facilitate identification by family members.
A coordination meeting involved multiple agencies including the hospital and Kedah Islamic Religious Council to manage the remains.
Adzli said authorities expect the burial process to occur at the end of December.
“The location has not been finalised, but based on previous cases involving human trafficking victims in Wang Kelian, Perlis, they will likely be buried in Pokok Sena if there are no obstacles,” he said.
Eleven of the 14 rescued migrants were charged today under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.
The remaining three minors will be referred to the Immigration Department for further action.
The boat carrying more than 70 illegal immigrants capsized in Malaysia-Thailand border waters near Langkawi on November 8.
Search and rescue operations concluded on Monday after a final assessment found no new leads. – Bernama
