RRI.CO.ID, Kuala Lumpur - A boat carrying undocumented migrants believed to be from Bangladesh and Indonesia has reportedly sunk again in Malaysian waters. The incident occurred at coordinates 2.1 nautical miles southwest of Sungai Apong, Sabak Bernam, Selangor, on Saturday, May 16, 2026.

The information was conveyed by Selangor Maritime Director Captain Abdul Muhaimin bin Muhammad Salleh in a statement on Monday, May 18, 2026. The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency of Selangor said the vessel experienced a leak before eventually sinking.

Abdul Muhaimin said authorities received an emergency call from the boat crew at around 4:45 a.m. local time. Following the report, the Maritime Vessel (KM) Bagan Datuk and Patrol Boat 41 were immediately deployed to the location to conduct a rescue operation.

“When Patrol Boat 41 arrived at the scene, the boat had already completely sunk at around 9 a.m. A total of 16 undocumented migrants were rescued, while three others remain missing and search operations are ongoing,” Abdul Muhaimin said.

The survivors consisted of 10 men, two Bangladeshi nationals and eight Indonesian nationals, as well as six Indonesian women aged between 24 and 50 years old. Before rescue teams arrived, the victims were first assisted by a Malaysian fishing boat passing through the area.

To support the search and rescue operation, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency established a coordination post at Jeti Kelong Paradise. The SAR operation involved the Malaysian Maritime Agency, the Marine Police Force (PPM), and the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), covering a search area of 236 square nautical miles.

Malaysian maritime authorities reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening sovereignty and security in the country’s waters, as well as combating illegal activities, including migrant smuggling.

The incident adds to the growing list of migrant boat accidents in Malaysian waters. Previously, a boat carrying undocumented Indonesian migrants was also reported to have sunk in Perak waters.

In that incident, Malaysian authorities found 39 Indonesian citizens, consisting of 23 survivors and 16 fatalities. (Diffa Sephiawardhani)