KUALA LUMPUR: Wisma Putra is checking whether any of its nationals were on board passenger ship Virgo Transport 8 reported missing in Indonesia's Java Sea.
The Foreign Ministry said they were in contact with Indonesian authorities to obtain the ship's passenger manifest and verify details of the incident.
"At this preliminary stage, the ministry has not received any information indicating that Malaysian nationals are involved in the incident," it said in a statement on Sunday (Sept 13).
Indonesian rescuers are searching for 140 people from the vessel after 103 others were evacuated, one of whom died, according to Indonesia's search and rescue agency.
The ship, carrying 243 people, was reported missing after losing contact early Sunday during bad weather. It had departed Surabaya in East Java on Saturday for Banjarmasin in South Kalimantan.
Rescuers have deployed a team, ships and a helicopter to search the vessel's last known position. It was not immediately clear what happened to the ship.
The ministry advised Malaysians residing in or travelling to Indonesia to follow instructions issued by local authorities.
It also urged Malaysians to register and keep their contact details updated through the e-Konsular portal to facilitate communication and consular assistance where necessary.
Those requiring consular assistance or with relevant information may contact the Malaysian Embassy in Jakarta at +62 21 522 4947 / +62 813 8081 3036 / email: mwjakarta@kln.gov.my.
