KUALA LUMPUR - According to Bernama, Authorities have stepped up patrols around Langkawi after reports that a boat carrying hundreds of migrants may have sunk near the Malaysia-Thailand maritime border.

Kedah police chief Datuk Adzli Abu Shah said security forces have increased surveillance in areas such as Teluk Ewa and nearby coastal zones, urging locals to contact authorities if they spot any survivors.

“So far, 10 survivors, comprising Myanmar, Bangladeshi and Rohingya nationals, and the body of a Rohingya woman have been found,” he said during the 38th Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) Convocation today.

He said survivor accounts varied, with some claiming that a larger vessel carrying about 300 people had sunk, while others said the group had been moved to three smaller boats, one of which capsized.

“Investigations are still ongoing. The figure of 300 passengers remains unverified. If accurate, we would likely have found more victims by now,” he said.

Adzli said more victims could still be found within the next three to seven days, either alive or otherwise.

Police are working with the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) to locate the site of the sinking and identify those responsible for the smuggling operation.

He said all survivors have been detained for not having valid travel documents, adding that Langkawi was believed to be the group’s intended landing point.

Preliminary investigations found that some migrants had paid around 400,000 Bangladeshi taka (about RM13,000) each to smugglers, while others said their families were expected to pay upon arrival.

“Many of them sold their homes and livestock to fund the journey, hoping to start a new life here. They were required to pay before being allowed on board,” he said.