78 Rohingyas found on vessel arrival in Malaysian waters

Source The Star, 21 April

The UN says more than 28,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled the violence. Fishing boats are often the only way for families to reach safety.

BALIK PULAU: A two-month-old baby was among 78 illegals from Myanmar who were found crammed in a small wooden vessel shortly after it reached the shores of Penang in Teluk Bahang here.

They looked tired and scared when discovered at 2.30am yesterday. "The authorities not only provided food, but provided medical treatment for them," said Penang police chief Senior Deputy Comm Datuk Wira Abdul Rahim.

Police personnel, on their crime prevention rounds, spotted the suspicious boat and moved in for further inspection before making the discovery.

Believed to be Rohingyas, the illegals consisted of 34 men, 19 women, 10 boys and 15 girls, aged between two months and 68.

"Initial findings showed that the illegals left Myanmar on April 8," SDCP Abdul Rahim told reporters.