Kuala lumpur: Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has emphasized that Malaysia will strictly enforce measures against any attempts to breach the nation's waters by illegal immigrants or those involved in human trafficking activities. However, he highlighted that the priority in such situations, especially during incidents like capsized boats, is to save lives.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Saifuddin stated that regardless of how individuals are classified-whether as refugees or victims of human smuggling-the primary responsibility of enforcement agencies is to prevent unauthorized entry into Malaysian waters. Nonetheless, in emergencies like boat capsizing, the focus shifts to rescuing lives. He affirmed that allowing individuals to drown would be inhumane, and thus, saving them is crucial.

He reiterated Malaysia's commitment to humanitarian responsibilities during emergencies while maintaining national sovereignty and security principles. Addressing the recent boat capsizing incident in Langkawi, Saifuddin noted that search and rescue (SAR) operations are ongoing, covering approximately 250 nautical square miles. The operation is concentrated around four to five nautical miles from Malaysia's coastline, with all victims being taken to Langkawi Island.

Saifuddin explained that once victims are found, authorities will determine whether they possess any entry or personal identification documents. Those without documents will be classified under immigration offenses, followed by an investigation to identify their country of origin and trace their journey.

Meanwhile, six additional bodies of migrants, believed to be victims of the capsized boat, were discovered by Thai authorities near the Malaysian-Thai border waters. This brings the total number of victims found to 26, comprising 13 survivors and 13 confirmed dead.