Malaysia rescues 23 migrants after boat capsizes, 14 still missing

On May 20, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) in Perak state said it had rescued 23 people after a boat carrying 37 undocumented migrants capsized off the country's western coast, while 14 others are believed missing.

According to an MMEA statement, the incident was spotted early on May 19 by a local fisherman who found survivors drifting at sea off Pangkor Island. Local fishing boats successfully rescued 23 victims, including 16 men and seven women, all of whom have been handed over to authorities for further investigation.

“They departed from Kisaran, Indonesia, on May 9 and were heading to various destinations in Malaysia, including Penang, Terengganu, Selangor, and Kuala Lumpur,” MMEA Perak Director Mohamad Shukri Khotob said of the incident's details.

To search for the missing, the MMEA deployed two vessels, with support from the coast guard, navy, and local fishermen. Helicopters and surveillance aircraft have also been mobilized for this extensive rescue operation.

“As of now, the remaining victims have not been identified and the search operation is continuing,” Khotob emphasized.

Malaysia is home to millions of migrants from poorer Asian countries, many of whom are undocumented and work in sectors such as construction and agriculture. However, sea journeys organized by human trafficking networks are often perilous, leading to tragic capsizing incidents.

In a recent serious case, 36 migrants died in November 2025 when their boat capsized near the Thailand-Malaysia border. According to activists, an estimated 100,000 to 200,000 Indonesians undertake this dangerous journey each year.