MMEA activates search operation after boat capsized near Malaysia-Thailand border, rescuing 11 victims including Myanmar and Bangladeshi nationals
LANGKAWI: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency has launched a major search and rescue operation after a boat capsized in waters near the Malaysia-Thailand maritime border.
Kedah/Perlis MMEA director First Admiral Maritime Romli Mustafa confirmed the operation began after victims were discovered in Langkawi waters yesterday.
Two men and one woman, believed to be Myanmar migrants, were found drifting in Tanjung Chincin waters at 8.30 am.
They were rescued by a ship’s crew and handed over to police at the jetty.
At 2.05 pm, MMEA personnel aboard PETIR 81 discovered a woman’s body floating at sea.
The same team later rescued a Bangladeshi man found on a sailboat and transferred him to police custody.
In a separate operation, the BENTENG 7 MMEA boat located a woman believed to be a Myanmar migrant on a local fisherman’s vessel.
PETIR 81 accompanied a sailboat that found four Myanmar men at 11.45 pm.
Another victim, also suspected to be from Myanmar, was found stranded at the Datai Golf Course area.
All rescued individuals have been handed over to police authorities.
Eleven people, including one deceased, have been located so far in the ongoing operation.
Authorities believe more victims may be found as the search continues.
Preliminary intelligence indicates the victims’ boat departed from Buthidaung, Myanmar with approximately 300 passengers.
The vessel is believed to have capsized three days ago near the Malaysia-Thailand maritime border.
Romli reiterated that stern action will be taken against anyone attempting illegal entry into Malaysia.
“Cross-border syndicates are actively exploiting immigrants by making them victims of human trafficking using highly risky sea routes,” he stated.
The MMEA will not compromise with any parties involved in human trafficking activities.
Public members are urged to report suspicious maritime activities by contacting emergency hotline 999 or the MMEA Operations Centre at 04-966 2750 or 04-966 5307. – Bernama
