Indon fishermen told to stay home
Published on: Saturday, November 26, 2016
Tawau: The Indonesian Consulate on Friday advised its 1,500 nationals working in the fishing industry in Esszone waters here, Kunak, Lahad Datu and Semporna to avoid going out to sea until security and safety can be guaranteed by the Malaysian Government. The advice is bound to have implications on the price of seafood in Sabah and the nation as a major portion of the catch goes to restaurants and households in the state as well as by air to markets in the peninsula, Singapore, Brunei and Hong Kong.Its Chief, Khrisna Dielani, said the advice follows the kidnapping of more of their countrymen in Merabong in Lahad Datu on Nov 19 and on Nov 5 in Kertam waters in Kinabatangan.
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He said the advice was issued after the government of Indonesia expressed its concern and regret over the two kidnapping incidents involving its nationals in Lahad Datu, Kunak, Semporna and Tawau. Indonesian President Joko Widodo earlier dispatched his Foreign Minister to officially register his concern with Putrajaya and the Sabah Government prior to the latest incident.The notice will remain in force until peace and safety for the fishermen especially in the East Coast areas are guaranteed, he said. "We have met 10 employers from the industry last Tuesday and also requested the assistance of the Tawau Fishermen Association to remind our nationals about the restriction.
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"At our meeting, we requested them not to engage any Indonesians for their fishing activities for the time being."Meanwhile, we have also urged employers of the two kidnapped Indonesian victims to continue paying their salaries and take responsibility for their release," he said, to reporters at the Consulate Office, Friday.
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He added any Indonesian nationals working as fishermen in boats, or any fishing related businesses in Malaysia can choose to return home if there is no work. According to Khrisna, many of its nationals have expressed fear of going out to sea but their employers continued to "force" them out to sea despite the security concern. "If any of our nationals refuse to heed this reminder, they will take responsibility for their own actions as we have issued the notice and talked to the businesses on the ongoing restriction. "Furthermore, we have also told the employers not to hire them for fear another kidnapping would happen," he said.Towards this end, Khrisna urged all Indonesian nationals in Tawau and nearby districts to heed all regulations and the curfew order and take care of their well-being, their families and to immediately contact the consulate office when in trouble. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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