TEMPO.CO, Johor Bahru - At least 2 Indonesian citizens died and 19 others went missing after they dove into the sea when their boat was captured by Malaysian sea patrol last Sunday. Until yesterday, the Malaysian Maritime Control Agency (APMM) is still searching for the missing victims.
Djudjur Hutagalung, the Social and Cultural Information Coordinator of the Indonesian Consulate General in Johor Bahru, said that the boat was carrying migrant workers that wishes to spend Ramadhan back in their hometown. The boat was then caught by the APMM in the waters of Tanjung Piai, Johor. The APMM also captured 59 illegal immigrants from Indonesia on board.
Currently, the 59 people are taken for questioning. The Indonesian Consulate General has coordinated to handle the issue with respective authorities. "The process takes at least two weeks, especially nearing Lebaran, which might take longer," said Djudjur. The two bodies are still until investigation.
NATALIA SANTI