Malaysian Authorities: Indonesian Citizens Still Missing Following Shipwreck

Malaysian authorities estimate that the number of Indonesian citizens (WNI) affected by the shipwreck near Pangkor Island, Perak, Malaysia, exceeds the 39 individuals who have been located so far.

“To date, a total of 39 victims have been found, consisting of 23 survivors and 16 deceased. Initial information obtained on the first day of the operation suggested 37 victims, but that figure is believed to be inaccurate, and it is suspected that there are still victims who have not been found,” stated the Perak State Maritime Director, Maritime Captain Mohd Shukri Khotob, in a statement released in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday (17/5/2026) local time.

The victims were involved in the sinking of a vessel in the waters of Pangkor Island, Perak, on 11 May 2026. Based on investigations by Malaysian authorities, the specific details or the identity of the vessel carrying the Indonesian citizens—who are also suspected to be undocumented migrants (PATI)—have not yet been confirmed.

Search efforts are being conducted intensively by Malaysian Maritime assets, the Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM), and local fishing vessels (VNT) across several locations within the operational area, including the waters of Pangkor Island, Kelumpang Island, Sangga Kechil Island, and Buloh Island.

Mohd Shukri also stated that all recovered bodies have been handed over to the police before being transported to Teluk Intan Hospital and Taiping Hospital for identification and investigation processes. He added that integrated operations will continue until all victims are found. Simultaneously, the maritime community and local fishermen have been urged to immediately report any clues or suspicious objects that could assist the search operation to the authorities.