Johor police chief Ab Rahaman Arsad said the incident occurred at about 3am when patrollers spotted a suspicious boat about three nautical miles from shore.

“The team attempted to approach the boat for inspection, but it tried to flee, leading to a chase.

“The suspects’ boat then rammed into the patrol boat and capsized, causing all 10 passengers to fall into the sea,” Bernama reported him as saying.

He said all passengers were rescued and brought to the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency jetty at Tanjung Kupang before being sent to Sultanah Aminah Hospital in Johor Bahru for treatment.

“Initial investigations found that the group, comprising nine Indonesians and one Rohingya, aged between 21 and 48, did not possess valid travel documents,” he said.

Ab Rahaman said police seized a 6.4m-long fibreglass boat and a 40-horsepower outboard engine, with total value estimated at RM25,500.

The case is being investigated under Section 26A of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 for migrant smuggling, and Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 for not having valid travel documents.

It is also being investigated under Sections 338 and 186 of the Penal Code for causing grievous hurt through a negligent act and obstructing a public servant in the discharge of duties.