Selangor Journal
A fisherman is seen painting a boat as the water level at Sungai Marang began to recede in the evening in Kampung Seberang Marang, Marang, Terengganu, on June 17, 2022. — Picture by BERNAMA

Malaysia using G2G channels to resolve concerns over national waters encroachment

TUMPAT, May 11 — Malaysia has conveyed its concerns over foreign fishermen’s encroachment into Malaysian waters to their respective authorities, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said.

He said government-to-government (G2G) discussions were among the measures taken to deal with the problem of national waters encroachment by foreign fishermen.

“The fact is that such incidents (encroachment) continue to happen (and) our efforts are through enforcement agencies and operations as well as holding G2G meetings with neighbouring countries such as Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia.

“A few months ago, during my visit to Thailand, the Philippines and Indonesia, in meetings with my counterparts, that was one of the things raised because it is part of joint efforts that can be carried out,” Saifuddin said.

He was speaking on the issue of foreign fishermen’s encroachment into Malaysian waters at a media conference, after visiting the Pengkalan Kubor Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) base, earlier today.

Saifuddin said as the agency responsible for controlling the country’s waters, MMEA remains committed to tackling the problem.

“Today I experienced for myself how this agency has been giving its highest commitment in carrying out its responsibilities.

“In fact, recently, when we were focused on celebrating Hari Raya, they (MMEA) commenced Op Pagar Laut from April 9 to April 30 for round-the-clock patrols and successfully prevented foreign fishermen from encroaching as well as handled illegal immigrants and an oil platform robbery incident.

“In that period, they (MMEA) also made seizures totalling RM15 million,” he said.

— Bernama

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