Five dead, dozens missing after boat sinks off Malaysian coast

Five people are dead and dozens more are missing after a boat carrying Indonesians capsized off the coast of Malaysia.

CNN noted that authorities have said more than 30 of the boat’s 97 passengers are still missing and five bodies have been recovered.

According to the Associated Press, the wooden boat capsized just after midnight in the waters on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur. It is believed that the Indonesian passengers, which included woman and children, were headed home before the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Malaysian officials said that the boat was illegal and not fit for a sea voyage as its capacity was only about 50-60 people.

Those leaving the country reportedly had few belongings with them and no documentation to work in Southeast Asia's third-largest economy.

Since the boat capsized close to land, some passengers may have swam to shore and are now in hiding, while other survivors are being questioned by the authorities.

Rescue efforts continued on Wednesday for passengers that are still missing.