PM tells fisherfolk not to fear China Coast Guard

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has told fisherfolk plying their trade in the South China Sea that they should not be worried by the presence of the China Coast Guard (CCG).

When asked to comment on the fisherfolk’s concerns, Anwar replied: “Don’t be afraid, don’t be afraid.”

He said this after launching National Security Month in Putrajaya today.

Anglers and fisherfolk in Sarawak had previously voiced their concerns, stating that they could not freely carry out their fishing activities in the area due to the constant presence of CCG vessels patrolling the South China Sea.

This is especially the case around Luconia Shoals (known locally as Beting Patinggi Ali), which Malaysia deems part of its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) off the coast of Sarawak but is regularly patrolled by the CCG.

Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin previously said his ministry was closely monitoring the situation.

He emphasised that the navy and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency are vigilant in protecting national waters, distinguishing between transiting vessels and those anchoring in Malaysian territory.

He added that unauthorised anchoring by foreign vessels would be seen as an infringement upon Malaysia’s sovereignty.

Cordial relationship with Philippines

Separately, Anwar reassured that the country’s diplomatic relationship with the Philippines remains good despite the latter sending a note to the United Nations to claim Sabah earlier this month.

“The government has made a stern statement, (we) will not tolerate trespassers on even one inch of our land. We can’t be involved in any negotiations on the matter.

“However, our diplomatic relationship with the Philippines remains good. My relationship with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr is close,” he added.

On July 1, Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan confirmed that Malaysia had submitted a diplomatic note to the United Nations to reaffirm the nation’s sovereignty in response to the Philippines’ renewed claim on Sabah.

On another note, Anwar said although Malaysia has ranked well in several world indexes, including the Global Peace Index 2024, it doesn’t mean that the government is resting on its laurels.

“I often say this during my meetings with civil servants: Just because an index placed us in the top 10 doesn’t mean we can be comfortable. If there is a top 10, why can’t we get to the top three?” he said.

The prime minister expressed his hope of making Malaysia’s rise to Tier 1 in the US State Department Trafficking in Persons Report a reality after the country ranked Tier 2 of the report’s four-tier system this year.

He congratulated the authorities, such as the police and armed forces, for their involvement in improving the rank, as Malaysia previously placed in the second-bottom-most tier last year.

'We're not free in our own seas'

'Don't want another Pulau Batu Puteh' - Khaled on Chinese ship sightings

Amid South China Sea tensions, new US envoy reaffirms support for allies

Procurement of LMS batch 2 due to continuous Chinese vessel's intrusion