JAKARTA - Six illegal Indonesian workers (TKI) died as a result of the ship they were aboard sank in the waters of Pulau Pisang, Pontian Besar, Johor Bahru State, Malaysia.
"The ship (boat) carrying 13 illegal immigrants (PATI) or illegal migrant workers has witnessed six victims," said the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (APPM) in a statement quoted by Antara, Tuesday, January 18.
The Johor Bahru Maritime Sub Rescue Center (MRSC) also reported that six people comprising four women and two men were rescued by a local fishing boat at 0.3am southwest of Pontian Besar, at 10.00am.
According to the Johor State Maritime Director, First Admiral Nurul Hizam Zakaria, all the bodies were found at the scene with the furthest position being 3.5 nautical miles from the scene.
Nurul said the first and second bodies were found at about 13.30 local time with a 21-year-old survivor.
"Four more bodies were found at 14.30pm with all the victims still fully dressed," he said during a press conference with Pontian District Police Chief, Superintendent Mohammad Shofee Tayib at the Pontian Area Fishermen's Association Office.
He said the ship used to carry the illegal migrant workers was suspected to have sunk along with various personal belongings of the victims.
Johor Bahru Consular Function Coordinator, Andreza Sethia Dasuki when confirmed said that his party had dropped the team to the scene.
"In my opinion, as long as there is still a demand (perhaps also from the citizens themselves) to enter Malaysia illegally, this illegal route of sea transport is difficult to eliminate," he said.
The Indonesian Ambassador in Kuala Lumpur Hermono also allowed the unfortunate incident.
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