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Malaysia and Indonesia to strengthen cooperation in fishing sector
Published:  May 1, 2016 6:17 PM
Updated: 10:49 AM

Malaysia and Indonesia will be increasing cooperations in the fisheries industry to better protect welfare of fishermen from both countries, Bernama reported.

Bernama quoted Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek as making the promise yesterday, following his meeting with Indonesia’s Marine and Fisheries minister Susi Pudjiastuti in Jakarta.

“Malaysia and Indonesia is facing similar problems over trespass of foreign fishermen who conducts their activities using illegal means.

“In this case, Indonesia is very committed (against illegal fishing) and it requires a policy-based move that we (Malaysia) can learn from,” said Shabery.

During the meeting, Shabery also reportedly addressed the issue of Malaysian fishermen who are being detained by Indonesian authorities, for alleged illegal fishing and other related offences.

It is understood that Shabery’s meeting with Susi was arranged in response to the latest arrests of two Malaysian fishermen off Batam.

The meeting, lasting over one hour, was also attended by Malaysia’s Ambassador to Indonesia Zahrain Mohamed Hashim, Fisheries Department director-general Ismail Abu Hassan and Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency director-general Ahmad Fuzi Abd Kahar.

Malaysiakini previously reported that family members of the two Malaysian fishermen detained by Indonesian authorities for suspected illegal fishing in Indonesian waters last month have been flown to Batam last week as part of efforts to secure their release.

The group was accompanied by Sungai Besar Umno division chief Jamal Md Yunos.

The two fishermen were arrested on March 3, together with 12 others - nine from Myanmar and three Indonesians - on board three vessels carrying over one tonne of fish, largely found to be preserved with formalin.

The three vessels were identified as KM SLFA 4625, KM KHF1917 and KM PKFB 1512.

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