Kuala Lumpur, May 12 : Malaysian authorities on Tuesday launched a search operation for 14 missing Indonesians after a boat carrying 37 people capsized off Pangkor Island in Perak state a day earlier.
Officials said 23 people were rescued on Monday by a local fishing vessel after the overcrowded boat overturned at sea before dawn. The vessel was believed to be carrying undocumented migrants.
Perak maritime chief Mohamad Shukri Khotob said the fishing vessel alerted authorities after spotting people floating in the sea.
A search and rescue operation was immediately launched and will continue until all missing persons are traced, officials said.
Authorities believe the victims had departed from Kisaran in Indonesia on May 9 and were headed to several destinations in Malaysia, including Penang, Selangor and Kuala Lumpur.
The rescued individuals were handed over to marine authorities for questioning.
Malaysia remains a major destination for Indonesian migrant workers seeking better employment opportunities. Many attempt illegal entry through risky sea routes using overcrowded and unsafe boats, often leading to accidents and loss of life.
