Indonesian fishermen told to avoid the red zones
Published on: Tuesday, December 06, 2016
Kota Kinabalu: Indonesians in the fishing industry, especially in the east coast, are advised to avoid red zone areas and heed the warning and instruction of the relevant security forces.Republic of Indonesia Consul General to Kota Kinabalu, Akhmad DH. Irfan, said they had decided to sound out the warning after several kidnap-for-ransoms involving its citizens in the industry."If they are not willing to stop working, then by all means, work. But don't go to the dangerous zones.
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Catch fish in other areas, even if it means the fish will not be as many. The risk of fishing in areas well known as hunting ground for kidnappers is just too high," he said.Irfan denied that the advisory meant that his office does not have confidence in the capability of Malaysian security forces, particularly the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom), charged with securing Sabah's waters from cross-border criminals.In fact, he said, his office had conducted several discussions with security forces in the State, including Esscom on steps that should be taken to avoid further kidnappings of its citizens in Sabah.
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"And yet, disaster cannot be averted, what can we do? We want both countries to help each other reduce the risk so we can stop this crime from happening again. "After all, when things like this happen, it is not only Sabahans who suffer, but also our people, Indonesians.
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"I welcome much stronger cooperation between both governments so that this will no longer be a problem," he said.He said there are about 8,000 Indonesians working in the industry in the State, both as boat skippers and crew members.Their operations span from Sandakan to Lahad Datu where the waters are abundant with marine life but unfortunately gained notoriety of being a hotbed for kidnap-for-ransom crimes.This year alone, 10 kidnapping cases have been reported, all in the east coast involving both Malaysians and Indonesians.In August an Indonesian skipper of a trawler boat was reported to have been taken hostage by a group of armed men in Kertam waters, off Kuala Kinabatangan, in Sandakan.In July this year, three Indonesians were abducted from a trawler in Lahad Datu waters near Sinakut, about 2.6 nautical miles from shore.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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