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Malaysia Searches for 14 Missing After Migrant Boat Sinks Off Pangkor

The case highlights the risky, trafficking-driven sea route from Indonesia to Malaysia.

Overview

  • Malaysian maritime crews began a search after Monday’s sinking off Pangkor island left 14 people unaccounted for.
  • A local fisherman spotted people in the water and a fishing boat rescued 23 Indonesians, including seven women.
  • Perak’s maritime chief said the group departed Kisaran, Indonesia, on May 9 bound for several Malaysian states and Kuala Lumpur.
  • The agency is using patrol boats, a helicopter and surveillance aircraft to look for the missing.
  • Rights groups say 100,000 to 200,000 Indonesians attempt this sea crossing each year through trafficking gangs, and a November 2025 capsize killed 36 near the Thai–Malaysian coast.