Malaysia: Dozens dead, others missing in boat sinking
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At least 11 Indonesian migrants have died and 27 are believed to be missing after a boat sank in stormy weather off southern Malaysia.
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People search Tanjung Balau beach after a boat carrying migrants capsized on Wednesday, December 15, 2021 (Royal Malaysian Army/Handout via REUTERS)
At least 11 Indonesian migrants are reported dead and 27 are believed to be missing after a boat sank Wednesday in stormy weather off southern Malaysia, authorities said.
The boat with 60 migrants on board went down Wednesday morning off Malaysia's southern state of Johor, the coastguard said.
Bodies of 7 men and 4 women were discovered on the shore by patrol soldiers, coastguard chief Admiral Mohamad Zubil Mat Som told AFP. 20 men and 2 women were later found alive and have been taken into custody, he said.
Authorities believe that those missing are either hiding or have drowned, so they sent out boats and an aircraft in search of them.
"We deeply regret this deadly tragedy," Mohamad Zubil told AFP. "I urge migrants not to enter Malaysia illegally."
It is worth noting that Indonesians who are seeking a better life and looking for work try to enter neighboring Malaysia through the sea in rickety boats.
Considered relatively rich, Malaysia is home to millions of migrants from poorer parts of Asia, many of whom are undocumented, and they mainly work in industries including construction and agriculture.
