Kuala Lumpur - A boat carrying Indonesian workers home for the Muslim holidays capsized in waters off Malaysia's western coast early Tuesday, killing at least 10 passengers, official reports said.

More than 120 passengers were believed to be on board when the accident occurred. A total of 109 were rescued, director of the navy department Ahmad Othman was quoted as saying by Bernama news agency.

Authorities had not yet determined the exact number of people who were on board, and were continuing with search and rescue efforts.

The Indonesian migrant workers were believed to have been heading home to celebrate the Muslim festival of Eid al-Fitr which begins Wednesday.

Malaysia is home to hundreds of thousands of Indonesian workers, both legal and illegal migrants, who throng home for the holidays.

Boats are the most popular mode of transportation, but many of the vessels are old and unfit for travel. (dpa)