Malaysian rescue teams have recovered at least seven bodies and rescued 13 survivors after a boat carrying migrants from Myanmar capsized off the country’s northern coast, authorities confirmed on Sunday. The incident is the latest in a string of deadly maritime disasters involving Rohingya and other Myanmar nationals attempting to reach Southeast Asia by sea.
According to First Admiral Romli Mustafa of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), the vessel departed from Buthidaung, a town in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, and was believed to be carrying around 300 people when it set out. Preliminary investigations suggest that the group was divided into three smaller boats as they approached Malaysia. One of the boats reportedly sank near Tarutao Island in southern Thailand on Thursday, with some passengers drifting toward Langkawi Island, a Malaysian resort destination.
The exact time and location of the sinking remain unclear, and the fate of the remaining two boats is still unknown. Authorities said that rescue operations intensified over the weekend after bodies were spotted floating in the water.
On Saturday, rescuers found 10 survivors and recovered one woman’s body, while on Sunday, they discovered six additional bodies and three more survivors. The MMEA said the search area has been expanded and will continue into Monday, with naval, police, and air assets involved in the operation.
Kedah State Police Chief Adzli Abu Shah told local media that several survivors identified themselves as Rohingya Muslims, members of the persecuted ethnic minority from Myanmar who have fled violence and discrimination for decades. Authorities suspect that human trafficking syndicates played a role in organizing the perilous voyage.
Admiral Romli warned that such cross-border trafficking networks are increasingly exploiting vulnerable migrants by sending them on unsafe sea journeys. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) called on regional governments to step up rescue efforts and strengthen measures to prevent human smuggling and loss of life at sea.
According to UNHCR data, about 5,200 Rohingya refugees have embarked on dangerous maritime routes so far this year, with nearly 600 people reported dead or missing. Earlier in January 2025, Malaysian authorities turned away two boats carrying nearly 300 Rohingya refugees, citing border control and safety concerns.
While Malaysia has previously allowed Rohingya refugees entry on humanitarian grounds, it remains wary of a potential influx. The country currently hosts approximately 117,670 Rohingya refugees, who make up nearly 59% of its registered refugee population, according to UNHCR figures.
Officials said rescue operations will remain ongoing until all possible survivors and bodies are accounted for, as authorities continue to coordinate with Thailand and Myanmar to trace the missing boats.
