LANGKAWI, Nov 12 — The recent boat tragedy involving illegal migrants from Myanmar should not be seen as an isolated incident, as it reflects the humanitarian and social pressures that continue to drive people to leave their country, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said.
He said instability and ongoing hardship in neighbouring nations have created conditions that force migrants to take extreme risks at sea.
“This is not a one-off case. It is part of an ecosystem that pushes people to move when they face insecurity or humanitarian challenges in their homeland,” he told reporters after a briefing on the latest search and rescue operations for the capsized boat near the Malaysia-Thailand maritime border.
Saifuddin Nasution said initial findings showed all passengers were from Myanmar, including individuals from displaced communities and refugee camps.
Survivors informed authorities that they had paid agents believed to be part of smuggling networks to reach Malaysia, which was their intended destination, he added.
“They were prepared to endure a dangerous voyage, especially during the monsoon season, to reach our shores,” he said.
He added that Langkawi was often used as a landing point due to its strategic location near Thailand and close proximity to the mainland.
Saifuddin Nasution said police are investigating possible links between the case and human trafficking or organised criminal activity, with appropriate action to follow once rescue operations are completed.
He stressed that the top priority remains the rescue of survivors, with search and recovery efforts to continue until officially concluded.
Meanwhile, Saifuddin Nasution said the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) continues to strengthen its capacity with additional assets, including helicopters, offshore patrol vessels, drones and radar systems.
“These efforts have helped curb illegal entry attempts via sea routes. Based on MMEA data, nearly 2,300 individuals have been detained in Langkawi waters between 2010 and 2025,” he said. — Bernama
