Malaysia Ends Search for Capsized Migrant Boat Victims

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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Malaysian authorities have concluded a nearly week-long search and rescue operation. The effort was launched for victims of a capsized boat carrying Indonesian migrants in the waters off Pangkor Island last week, as reported by Anadolu on Sunday, May 17, 2026.

At least 16 people died, while 23 were rescued after the vessel, carrying 37 undocumented passengers, sank on May 11 off the island's coast, according to the state news agency Bernama.

The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) in Perak stated that the operation ended on Saturday after no further discoveries were made in the search area.

"Initial information obtained on the first day of the operation stated that the total number of victims was 37; however, the figure is believed to be inaccurate," the agency said in a statement.

The victims included nine men and seven women, whose bodies were transported to the hospital for autopsy and identification.

The operation involved cooperation among security agencies, including the Royal Malaysian Navy and the Maritime Police, alongside the local fishing community.

The boat, believed to be carrying Indonesian migrants, capsized 8.2 nautical miles from Pangkor Island while heading toward various destinations in Malaysia.

Malaysia remains a major destination for undocumented migrants from poor regions across Asia. Smuggling syndicates often exploit sea routes, leading to frequent maritime tragedies, according to authorities.

Thirty-six migrants died when a boat capsized near the Thailand-Malaysia coast last November.

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