Malaysia detains 269 Rohingya refugees found in boat off Langkawi island
- Malaysian marine officials intercepted the vessel Monday off the northern resort island of Langkawi
- Malaysia, which has a majority Muslim population, has been a common destination of boats arranged by traffickers who promise the refugees a better life abroad
Marine officials intercepted the vessel Monday off the northern resort island of Langkawi, the National Task Force said in a statement.
It said 53 people who jumped off the boat and tried to swim ashore were detained, another 216 were detained from the boat and the body of a woman was found on board.
Malaysian officials had intended to turn the boat away, but it had been intentionally damaged with its engine beyond repair.
The refugees were fed and placed in a temporary detention facility, while the body has been handed over to police for investigation, the statement said.
How long the Rohingya were at sea and where they came from were not disclosed.
Muslim-dominated Malaysia has been a common destination of boats arranged by traffickers who promise the refugees a better life abroad.
The National Task Force said 396 people attempting to sneak into the country illegally have been detained since May, along with 108 boat skippers and 11 suspected smugglers.
It said 22 boats with some 140 immigrants trying to enter the county illegally have also been turned away since May. It did not give details on the nationality of the migrants.
Malaysia has about 2 million migrant workers with legal status and more than 2 million without it. In addition, some 180,000 refugees and asylum seekers – including 101,000 Rohingya – are registered with the UN refugee agency.
