ALOR SETAR – The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has activated a search and rescue operation in Langkawi waters following the capsizing of a boat near Pulau Tarutao, close to the Malaysia-Thailand maritime border.
First Admiral Maritime Romli Mustafa, MMEA’s Kedah/Perlis director, confirmed the operation was initiated after several victims, believed to be migrants from Myanmar, were discovered in Langkawi waters yesterday, Bernama reported.
“According to reports received by the Langkawi Police Headquarters, two men and a woman, suspected to be migrants from Myanmar, were found drifting in Tanjung Chincin waters. They were rescued by a ship’s crew at 8.30 am and taken to the jetty, where they were handed over to the police,” Romli said in a statement today.
He added that at 2.05 pm, personnel on board the MMEA vessel PETIR 81 located a woman’s body floating at sea. The team also rescued a Bangladeshi man on a sailboat and transferred him to the police.
“In a separate operation, the MMEA boat BENTENG 7 discovered a woman, believed to be another migrant from Myanmar, on a local fisherman’s boat,” Romli continued.
At 11.45 pm, PETIR 81 assisted a sailboat which had found four Myanmar men. Another victim, also presumed to be from Myanmar, was discovered stranded near the Datai Golf Course area, and all were subsequently handed over to the police.
“To date, 11 people, including one deceased, have been found. There is a likelihood that more victims may be located. Initial intelligence suggests the boat, carrying an estimated 300 passengers, departed from Buthidaung, Myanmar, and capsized three days ago near the Malaysia-Thailand maritime border,” Romli explained.
He further emphasised that stern action would be taken against anyone attempting to enter the country illegally.
“Cross-border syndicates are exploiting migrants, making them victims of human trafficking by using perilous sea routes. The MMEA will take firm action against any parties involved in such activities,” he added.
Romli urged the public to report suspicious maritime activities by contacting the emergency hotline 999 or the MMEA Operations Centre at 04-966 2750 or 04-966 5307. – November 9, 2025