Malaysian fishermen have been advised to avoid encroaching into foreign waters and giving the excuse that they are not aware of the border, said Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
He said such excuses were not acceptable as fishing vessels in Zone C2, which is over 30 nautical miles from the coast, were equipped with global positioning systems (GPS).
Commenting on reports of a fishing vessel flying the Malaysian flag which was sunk by Indonesian authorities last week for illegal fishing, Ismail Sabri said the vessel which was blown up had encroached six kilometres into foreign territory.
In a statement today, Ismail Sabri said every country had their own law for vessels that trespassed into their waters.
However, the disposal method in each country is also different. In Malaysia, we are more diplomatic. We perforate the boat and sink it to become an artificial reef. In Indonesia, they choose to blow up the vessel, he said.
Ismail Sabri reminded that Indonesia was strict on such matters as the republic had already forbidden the use of trawlers.
So, if our vessels enter their waters, they will take stern action for damaging the country’s fishing resources, he said.
According to Ismail Sabri, even Malaysia would be angry if foreign fishermen encroached into local waters as such actions would affect their income and catch.
If we are angry when foreign fishermen encroach into our waters, I advise our fishermen to avoid trespassing into foreign waters, he said.
2014. New Straits Times Press (M) Berhad