DHAKA: Indonesia has turned away a boat carrying hundreds of migrants believed to be from Myanmar and Bangladesh.

Indonesia’s navy said it provided the vessel with food and water on Monday before sending it back out to sea.

It said that it did so because the migrants wanted to reach Malaysia, but an international migration agency said the decision was ‘shocking’.

As many as 8,000 migrants from Bangladesh and Myanmar are believed by the agency to be stranded at sea.

Correspondents say people smugglers who ferry the migrants are now reluctant to follow their usual route through Thailand because of a government campaign there against them.

‘The passengers were still alive and in good condition,’ said Indonesian navy spokesman Manahan Simorangkir, reports the BBC.

‘They were seeking help and they didn't want to go to Indonesia. They wanted to go to Malaysia, so we sent them on their way after providing them with food, water and medical supplies,’ he said.

BDST: 1732 HRS, MAY 12, 2015
RR