Latest information on Indonesian citizens drowning in Perak, Malaysia: 39 victims found

Kuala Lumpur (ANTARA) - The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) of the state of Perak has stated that it has found 39 Indonesian citizens who were victims of a boat sinking in the waters off Pulau Pangkor, Perak, Malaysia, through a special operation that has been ongoing for six days.

“So far, a total of 39 victims have been found, consisting of 23 people who survived and 16 others who died. Initial information obtained on the first day of the operation stated that the number of victims was 37, but this figure is believed to be inaccurate and it is suspected that there are still victims who have not been found,” said the Director of Maritime Affairs for the State of Perak, Captain Mohd Shukri Khotob in a statement quoted in Kuala Lumpur, Sunday.

Based on investigations, the details or identity of the ship carrying the Indonesian citizens – who are also allegedly illegal foreign workers (PATI) – have not yet been ascertained. The Perak Maritime Enforcement Agency stated that on the first day of the rescue, officers only found the Indonesian citizens floating in the waters.

The search effort was carried out intensively by Malaysian Maritime assets, the Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM), and local fishing vessels (VNT) at several locations around the operational area, including in the waters off Pulau Pangkor, Pulau Kelumpang, Pulau Sangga Kechil, and Pulau Buloh.

Mohd Shukri also said that all the bodies found had been handed over to the police before being taken to Teluk Intan Hospital and Taiping Hospital for identification and investigation.

He also added that the operation will continue in a coordinated manner until all victims have been found.

At the same time, maritime communities and fishermen are also asked to immediately report to the authorities if they find clues or suspicious objects that can help with the search operation.