TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), Perak State, conducted a search and rescue (SAR) operation after a boat carrying undocumented migrants from Indonesia sank in waters off Pangkor Island.
Perak State Maritime Director Captain Mohamad Shukri bin Khotob stated in a press release received in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday that his agency received a report on Monday morning at around 5:30 a.m. from a local fisher who found the victims floating in the sea and asking for help.
Rescuers were then dispatched immediately at 6:00 a.m., deploying the KM GAGAH and BENTENG 1203 to conduct the search, with the assistance of relevant agencies such as the Marine Police Force (PPM), the Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM), and the local fishing community.
A local fishing vessel, VNT PKFB 616, successfully rescued 23 Indonesians, consisting of 16 men and 7 women. All victims were then transported by the PPM PAC 16 vessel to the PPM Kampung Acheh Pier for documentation and further investigation.
The boat was initially carrying 37 migrants before it sank, and to date, 23 individuals have been rescued, while the rest remain missing as the search is underway.
KM GAGAH also reported the discovery of three bags containing clothing believed to belong to the victims near the rescue location, which will later be identified by the rescued victims.
All rescued victims were taken to the PPM Kampung Acheh Pier, Perak, before being handed over to the authorities for further investigation at the Manjung IPD.
According to reports, the victims are believed to have departed from Kisaran, Indonesia, on May 9, 2026, bound for Malaysia, with several destinations believed to include Penang, Terengganu, Selangor, and Kuala Lumpur.
This search and rescue operation also involved several fleets, including the KD Sri Indera Sakti, a Royal Malaysian Fennec helicopter, two Royal Malaysian Fast Combat Boats (FCBs), a Bombardier CL 415 aircraft (APMM), and a PAC 16 vessel (PPM) to conduct aerial surveillance and search of the incident area.
Director of Perak MMEA Captain Mohd Shukri bin Khotob stated that his team would continue to intensify search operations until all victims are found.
The Perak Maritime Authority, Malaysia, has urged the public who have information or have found clues regarding the missing victims to contact the Perak State Maritime Operations Centre at 05-683 8737 or the emergency number 999 for immediate action.
Read: Migrant Boat Collides with Greek Coast Guard Vessel, 15 Dead
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