angry fishermen in penang citizen journalist report 030709 Large fishing vessels are posing a threat to the safety and livelihood of fishermen from Pulau Betong in Penang.

These large vessels have been invading the villagers' fishing territory and refuse to cooperate with the locals.

According to the villagers, the trawlers are a threat to their safety as they operate illegally at night without turning their lights on, increasing the risk of boat collisions.

In a citizen journalist video taken in early May, a fisherman, identified only as Beng, said this problem has been going on for decades.

"These people are very rude to us, and we have yet to receive help from the authorities to address this matter," he said.

Balik Pulau MP Yusmadi Yusof has also been notified as well.

Beng said villagers are currently appealing to the state government to help resolve this issue, as he fears a fight may erupt one day.

He hopes the government will help the villagers, as most of them are uneducated and their livelihood depends on fishing and the sea.

Click here to watch the video .

Video contributed by Malaysiakini-ICFJ citizen journalists Jimmy Leow, Chan Lilian, Owen Koh & Lim BS.