Malaysia says 66 missing after ship capsizes

KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia’s maritime agency says a wooden boat carrying 97 Indonesians has capsized off the country’s west coast, with 66 people still missing.

An official with the agency says the boat was believed to have sank while trying to leave Malaysia illegally to take home the Indonesians ahead of the start of the Muslim fasting month.

The official, who declined to be named because he is not authorized to speak to the media, said Wednesday that 31 people have been rescued so far.

No reason was immediately given for the accident.

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