Post-mortem examinations completed on nine of 26 victims from boat capsizing near Malaysia-Thailand border, with search operation continuing for fifth day.
ALOR SETAR: Post-mortem examinations have been completed on nine of the 26 victims who died when a boat capsized in waters off the Malaysia-Thailand border.
Kedah police chief Datuk Adzli Abu Shah confirmed that 12 bodies had been transferred to Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital, with nine post-mortems finished.
Fourteen additional bodies remain at Sultanah Maliha Hospital in Langkawi awaiting transfer to Alor Setar for examination.
“The first transfer to HSB involved one body on the first day of the operation, while the second transfer on Tuesday involved 11 bodies,” Adzli said.
All bodies remain at hospital facilities and have not been released to any party for burial.
Police have notified relevant embassies but await responses regarding burial arrangements for the foreign nationals.
“We will hold discussions with the religious department regarding the burial arrangements,” Adzli added.
The tragedy occurred on November 6 when one of three boats carrying approximately 300 migrants capsized near Tarutao Island.
The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency reported the search and rescue operation entered its fifth day today.
Search efforts cover 260.15 square nautical miles divided into 12 sectors using 12 assets from multiple agencies.
Participating agencies include the Royal Malaysia Police, Royal Malaysian Navy, Fire and Rescue Department, and Civil Defence Force.
Current weather conditions feature wind speeds of 40-50 kilometres per hour with wave heights of 1.5-2.5 metres. – Bernama
