KUALA LUMPUR: The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has commended the Malaysia for rescuing 136 Myanmars from a sinking boat and allowing them to disembark on its territory.
UNHCR Representative, Alan Vernon, said the body also commended Malaysia for providing food and medical attention, thus saving dozens of lives which would have otherwise, perished at sea.
"We consider this is a very positive humanitarian gesture on the part of the Malaysian Government, and consistent with international norms for the protection of asylum-seekers and persons at risk at sea," he said in a statement on Monday.
According to a news report, 136 Myanmars were found by fishermen several miles from Teluk Bahang, Penang, adrift on a boat which was on the verge of sinking.
They were reported to have been at sea for 25 days and had run out of food and water for more than two days.
The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency intercepted the boat and rescued the passengers.
According to reports, 11 boats ferrying about 2,500 people, mostly believed Rohingnyas, landed on Malaysian territory since the beginning of this year. - Bernama
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