KUALA LUMPUR: Fishermen caught encroaching in Malaysian and Indonesian waters could go back to earn their livelihood with the key decision made by the two countries to release them.
In lauding the decision that follows the 12th Annual Consultation between Malaysia and Indonesia, the National Fishermen’s Association (Nekmat) expressed its gratitude to the government for looking after the fishing community who are mostly low income earners.
Its chairman Ahmad Rudin Hussain in a statement said the result from the bilateral meeting between the two countries in Kuching, Sarawak yesterday will allow those caught trespassing return to their home countries and fishing.
“Nekmat through its board of directors in Terengganu have been in constant contact with the families of those affected to get information about latest developments. The latest decision met by the two countries came with a lot of excitement for everyone,” he said.
Nekmat represents all the fishermen in Peninsular Malaysia, he said and gave the assurance the association will cooperate with the Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) and Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry to look after the welfare of the community.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak yesterday revealed Malaysia and Indonesia have agreed to immediately release all fishermen arrested in either country for trespassing into their respective sovereign waters.
He had said the move was necessary after taking into consideration the welfare of the fishermen.
“These fishermen are with low-income backgrounds and they should not continue to be placed in detention,” he said in a joint statement with Indonesian President Joko Widodo after the meeting. Boats seized would also be released so that they could return and help their families.