A devastating maritime incident unfolded last week in the Indian Ocean near the border between Thailand and Malaysia, as a boat carrying approximately 300 migrants from Myanmar capsized. According to officials, at least one body has been recovered, 10 individuals have been rescued, and dozens remain missing. The exact timing and location of the tragedy remain unclear, though preliminary investigations suggest the vessel sank three days ago after departing from Buthidaung in Myanmar’s Rakhine state. Malaysian authorities have launched a search and rescue operation after survivors were discovered drifting near Langkawi, a northern resort island in Malaysia. Among the rescued were Rohingya Muslims, a persecuted minority group from Myanmar, as well as a man from Bangladesh. Malaysian officials have raised concerns about the increasing activity of cross-border syndicates exploiting migrants through dangerous sea routes. This incident highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis faced by Rohingya refugees, many of whom seek refuge in Malaysia due to its predominantly Muslim population. However, Malaysia has recently tightened its stance on accepting refugees, fearing a mass influx. Currently, around 117,670 Rohingya refugees are registered with the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees in Malaysia, representing 59% of the country’s total refugee population.
A boat from Myanmar with hundreds of migrants capsizes off Malaysia, 1 body found and 10 rescued
