Pokok sena: The remains of 27 Rohingya migrants from Myanmar who perished in a boat capsize incident last year have been buried at the Kampung Tualang Islamic Cemetery near Pokok Sena. The victims, comprising 13 men and 14 women, were recovered from Langkawi waters following the tragic event.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Kedah Police Chief Datuk Adzli Abu Shah revealed that the migrants were attempting to enter the country's waters illegally when the incident occurred. The bodies were transported to the Forensic Medicine Unit of Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital for identity verification and post-mortem examinations. The meticulous process of managing the remains started at 10 pm and concluded at 7 am, with burials commencing at 7:30 am under the supervision of the Kedah Islamic Religious Council (MAIK).
The burial arrangements were a collaborative effort involving multiple agencies, including the police, hospital staff, MAIK, the Kedah Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JHEAIK), the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), the Public Works Department (JKR), and the Department of Survey and Mapping Malaysia (JUPEM). Adzli expressed gratitude to all parties for their cooperation and commitment in ensuring the dignified handling of the remains.
The investigation into the incident continues under Section 26A of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (ATIPSOM). Authorities are working to uncover the cause of the tragedy, the entry route, and the individuals behind the migrant smuggling operation. Adzli encouraged anyone with information to assist the ongoing investigation by contacting the nearest police station.
The incident is a stark reminder of the perils associated with migrant smuggling through unauthorized routes. The police are committed to enhancing law enforcement and security measures to safeguard national waters and uphold the country's safety and sovereignty. Reports from last year indicated that approximately 290 to 300 undocumented migrants had embarked on a journey from Myanmar, later transferring to a smaller boat at the Malaysia-Thailand border before the vessel capsized.