By Chidinma Nwaoji
Death Toll in Malaysia Migrant Boat Tragedy Rises to 13
Authorities in Malaysia and Thailand have recovered at least 13 bodies following the capsizing of a boat carrying undocumented migrants near the Malaysia–Thailand border.
Officials said the vessel, which was carrying about 70 migrants many believed to be members of Myanmar’s persecuted Rohingya community overturned near Thailand’s Tarutao Island four days ago while en route to Malaysia.
The group was reportedly part of a larger convoy of around 300 migrants, divided between at least two boats attempting to reach Malaysian shores. Tarutao lies just north of Malaysia’s resort island of Langkawi, where search-and-rescue efforts are being concentrated.
The Director of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) for Kedah and Perlis, Romli Mustafa, confirmed on Monday that rescuers had recovered seven bodies, all identified as Rohingya.
“Thai authorities conducting parallel search operations have found six additional bodies,” Romli said during a press briefing, adding that more victims were expected to be found as ocean currents push remains toward Malaysian waters.
AFP correspondents in Langkawi reported seeing at least two more bodies brought ashore on Monday, though it was unclear whether they were included in the official count.
According to Romli, at least 12 vessels are involved in the ongoing search across an area of approximately 250 square nautical miles, roughly the size of Singapore.
He said authorities would “continue to expand the search grid” to ensure no victims are left unrecovered.
Meanwhile, Langkawi Police Chief Khairul Azhar Nuruddin disclosed that six of the dead were identified as Rohingya women and one as a girl. He said 13 survivors, comprising Rohingya and Bangladeshi nationals, had been rescued so far.
Nuruddin added that the migrants are believed to have departed Myanmar about two weeks ago, with a second vessel from the group now reported missing.
Malaysia, one of Southeast Asia’s more affluent nations, hosts millions of migrant workers, many of whom are undocumented and employed in industries such as construction and agriculture.
However, authorities warned that human trafficking syndicates are increasingly exploiting vulnerable migrants, charging up to $3,500 per person for perilous sea crossings.
“Cross-border syndicates are now more active, making migrants victims of trafficking through high-risk sea routes,” Romli said.
In December 2021, more than 20 migrants drowned in similar incidents off Malaysia’s coast one of the deadliest months in recent years.
