WEB DESK: A boat carrying Rohingya Muslim migrants sank near the Thailand-Malaysia border, leaving at least seven people confirmed dead and hundreds feared missing. So far, thirteen survivors have been rescued, with search operations continuing in the waters near Langkawi island.
The vessel was reportedly transporting around 70 individuals, but the fate of two other boats in the group, carrying approximately 230 more people, remains uncertain. The migrants had switched to smaller boats in an attempt to avoid detection by authorities while trying to reach Malaysia.
Rohingya refugees often undertake hazardous sea journeys to Malaysia, fleeing persecution in Myanmar and harsh conditions in refugee camps in Bangladesh. These trips are fraught with danger as they try to escape dire circumstances and seek better opportunities.
Malaysia, considered a relatively prosperous country, hosts millions of migrants from less developed parts of Asia. Many work undocumented in sectors such as construction and agriculture. However, these crossings, often orchestrated by human trafficking networks, are highly dangerous and lead to frequent maritime tragedies.
