By Tawfiq Al-Mohsin
ALOR SETAR, June 11, 2026
The remains of 27 Rohingya migrants who perished in a boat capsize off the coast of Langkawi in November last year were laid to rest on Thursday at the Old Islamic Cemetery in Tualang, Pokok Sena, Kedah.
The victims, consisting of 13 men and 14 women, were buried according to Islamic rites under the supervision of the Kedah Islamic Religious Council (MAIK). The burial process began at 7.30 a.m. after authorities completed the management of the remains earlier that morning.
Kedah Police Chief Datuk Adzli Abu Shah said the burial was conducted following the Temporary Controlled Burial (TCB) procedure, based on recommendations from medical authorities.
“The management of the remains commenced at 10 p.m. yesterday and was completed at 7 a.m. today. The burial was carried out in accordance with the prescribed TCB procedure,” he said.
The victims were among passengers believed to have been aboard a vessel carrying approximately 90 undocumented migrants from Myanmar, Bangladesh, and the Rohingya community. The boat reportedly broke apart near the Malaysia–Thailand maritime border on Nov. 8 last year while attempting to enter Malaysian waters illegally.
A subsequent search and rescue operation recovered 27 bodies from the waters off Langkawi. The remains were later transferred to the Forensic Department of Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital in Alor Setar for identification and management.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, including the cause of the incident, the route used by the migrants, and the individuals responsible for organizing the smuggling operation.
Datuk Adzli stated that the case is being investigated under Section 26A of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (ATIPSOM).
The incident has once again highlighted the ongoing challenges posed by migrant smuggling networks operating in the region and the dangers faced by vulnerable migrants undertaking perilous sea journeys in search of safety and better opportunities.
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