Malaysian authorities on Tuesday searched for 14 missing Indonesians after a boat carrying 37 people sank a day earlier.
The maritime office in central Perak state said that 23 people were rescued Monday by a local fishing vessel after the boat capsized off Pangkor island in Perak. The vessel was believed to be carrying undocumented migrants.
Perak maritime chief Capt. Mohamad Shukri Khotob said the fishing vessel called for help after finding the people floating at sea before dawn.
A search and rescue operation was activated Monday and would continue until all missing individuals are located, the statement said.
Mohamad Shukri said the victims were believed to have departed from Kisaran, Indonesia, on May 9 and were headed to multiple destinations in Malaysia, including Penang, Selangor, and Kuala Lumpur. A total of 37 people were believed to be on board, he said.
The 23 survivors were handed to marine authorities for questioning.
Malaysia has long been a destination for Indonesian workers seeking better job opportunities.
Many attempt to enter the country illegally via sea routes, often in overcrowded and unsafe vessels, risking accidents and loss of life. Indonesians make up the large bulk of foreign labour in Malaysia, both legally and undocumented, predominantly in plantations and construction.
