At Least Seven Dead After Migrant Boat Capsizes Near Thai-Malaysia Border

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian authorities have recovered at least seven bodies following the capsizing of a boat carrying undocumented migrants near the Thai border, officials confirmed on Sunday.

The vessel, believed to be transporting migrants from Myanmar, was part of a group of around 300 people who had split into several smaller boats. Kedah state police chief Adzli Abu Shah told local media that the capsized boat, which sank near Thailand’s Tarutao Island, north of Malaysia’s Langkawi resort, was carrying about 90 passengers.

Romli Mustafa, Director of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) for Kedah and Perlis, said that three survivors and six bodies were found on Sunday, bringing the total confirmed death toll to seven. At least 13 migrants have been rescued alive so far.

Among the recovered bodies were a young girl and five women, though their nationalities have not yet been verified. One woman found earlier is believed to be from Myanmar’s Rohingya minority.

Authorities believe the boat sank three days ago, and search operations are expected to resume Monday. Two other vessels from the same group remain missing.

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According to preliminary investigations, the migrants were first transported on a larger vessel and later transferred to three smaller boats near Malaysian waters. Officials suspect cross-border trafficking networks are behind the operation.

Romli warned that criminal syndicates are increasingly using risky sea routes, putting migrants’ lives at grave danger. Malaysian media reported that traffickers charge up to $3,500 per person for such perilous journeys.

Malaysia hosts millions of migrant workers, many of whom arrive through irregular routes and work in low-wage sectors such as construction and agriculture. In recent years, several deadly maritime incidents have highlighted the growing risks of illegal crossings in the region.