Kuala Lumpur — Malaysian authorities continued search-and-rescue efforts Tuesday for 14 Indonesians reported missing after a small boat carrying 37 people sank off Pangkor Island in Perak state.
Perak maritime chief Capt. Mohamad Shukri Khotob said 23 people were pulled from the water Monday by a local fishing vessel that discovered them floating before dawn. The survivors were later turned over to marine authorities for questioning.
Officials believe the vessel was carrying undocumented Indonesian migrants. Capt. Mohamad Shukri said the group departed from Kisaran, Indonesia, on May 9 and was bound for several destinations in Malaysia, including Penang, Selangor and Kuala Lumpur. A search-and-rescue operation launched Monday remained active as crews worked to locate the missing.
No confirmed fatalities have been announced; authorities have focused on finding the 14 people still unaccounted for and determining the circumstances that led to the capsizing.
Malaysia is a common destination for Indonesians seeking employment, and many try to reach the country by sea in overcrowded, unsafe vessels. Migrant workers from Indonesia make up a large share of foreign labor in Malaysia, both documented and undocumented, particularly in plantations and construction. Such crossings often carry serious risks of accidents and loss of life.
The incident highlights the continuing dangers faced by people using irregular maritime routes to seek work across the Strait of Malacca and nearby waters. Authorities said they would continue operations until all missing individuals are found and that investigations into the incident and the migrants’ travel arrangements are ongoing.
Reported by The Associated Press. Updated May 12, 2026.
