PONTIAN: Seven Indonesian nationals are missing after the boat they were on capsized in Pontian waters early Tuesday (Jan 18).

       Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Johor director First Admiral Nurul Hizam Zakaria said the boat, ferrying 13 passengers believed to be illegal immigrants from Indonesia, capsized after being hit by strong waves as the group was attempting to enter the country.

       “We received information at about 10am about six Indonesian victims who were found and rescued by a local fishing boat about 0.3 nautical miles south-west of Pontian Besar.

       “Based on information from the rescued victims, there were 13 people on board, including the skipper. The boat was hit by strong waves when the group was trying to make its way into Malaysia and seven victims are still missing,” he said.

       Nurul Hizam said that a search and rescue operation (Ops Carilamat) to look for the missing victims was activated at 10.20am on Tuesday (Jan 18) and a Pangkalan Hadapan Carilamat team was set up at the Persatuan Nelayan Pontian jetty.

       “MMEA’s AW139 helicopter and Kilat 12 boat were deployed to the scene in search of the missing victims. The agency has also received assistance in the form of assets from other agencies to boost its rescue operation,” he said.

       He added that all six rescued victims have been brought to Pontian Hospital for treatment.