Authorities in Malaysia are continuing search and rescue operations after a boat carrying Indonesian migrants capsized off the coast of Pangkor Island, leaving 14 people missing.
According to maritime officials in Perak state, 23 Indonesians were rescued on Monday after the overcrowded boat sank in waters near Pangkor Island. Authorities believe a total of 37 people were on board at the time of the accident.
Perak maritime chief Mohamad Shukri Khotob said a local fishing vessel discovered the survivors floating at sea before dawn and immediately alerted rescue teams.
Search operations involving Malaysian maritime authorities began shortly after the distress call and are expected to continue until all missing passengers are accounted for.
Officials said the migrants were believed to be undocumented workers traveling illegally by sea from Kisaran in Indonesia. The group reportedly departed on May 9 and was heading toward several destinations in Malaysia, including Penang, Selangor, and Kuala Lumpur.
The 23 survivors were later handed over to marine authorities for questioning as investigations into the incident continue.
Malaysia remains one of the main destinations for Indonesian migrant workers seeking employment opportunities, especially in construction, plantations, and other labor-intensive industries. Many migrants attempt to enter the country through illegal sea routes due to limited legal migration options and economic hardship.
Human rights groups and migration experts have repeatedly warned about the dangers faced by undocumented migrants using overcrowded and unsafe boats to cross between Indonesia and Malaysia. Such journeys often expose passengers to accidents, exploitation, trafficking, and death at sea.
Maritime accidents involving migrant boats are common in Southeast Asia, particularly along routes used by undocumented workers and smuggling networks operating across regional waters.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether smugglers were involved in organizing the journey, but investigations are ongoing.