Banting boat capsize: Passengers entered Malaysia with legal documents

The majority of survivors of a capsized boat which happened off the western coast of Selangor, near Sungai Air Hitam, Banting have entered the country with valid travel documents.

However, the Indonesians 'opted' for the 'dangerous' path back to their homeland after overstaying for a duration between 10 and 12 months in Malaysia, said Indonesian Ambassador to Malaysia Herman Prayitno.

Herman said the passengers used legal tourist visas upon arriving in Malaysia. Each of them paid between RM600 and RM1200 for the return ride.

"This drives them to use the illegal way, fearing the arrest from the authorities" said Herman.

He explained that all of the victims have been taken to the Telok Panglima Garang police station. They are traumatised by the incident but are in good condition.

"They were rescued by fishermen who were in the vicinity of the sunken boat,” he added.

Herman, however expressed his disappointment over the fact that there are Indonesians who have opted the illegal way to return home.

The embassy is currently facilitating a way for the passengers to return to Indonesia. For a total of RM1,600, this will include tickets to their respective locations.

Herman said the embassy has appointed Iman, an agency which will be responsible in bringing home Indonesians living in Malaysia. Iman is operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs and will be launched on June 24.